Lloyd resigned as captain following the humiliating defeat to Lithuania which thrust the team into a play-off with Turkey to avoid relegation to the lowest tier of the competition.

A number of high-profile names had been linked to the position with former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski the early favourite for the job.

However it became clear that the Canadian-born former British number one would not be given the role when Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) chief executive Roger Draper revealed Lloyd's successor would not be "a big name."

And the LTA have been true to their word as 34-year-old Smith gets the nod to help pull British tennis out of the doldrums, starting with July's relegation play-off with Turkey in Eastbourne.

Smith used to coach current British number one Andy Murray and it is thought that the Scot put in a good word for his compatriot, who was delighted to have been given the chance to work with the best that Britain has to offer.

"This is a huge honour and an irresistible challenge," Smith said.

"I know the players, and I know that together we can get Britain back to winning ways in the Davis Cup."


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March 2010: Lloyd steps down as Britain's Davis Cup captain
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