Delia Smith steps down as Norwich City director after 28 YEARS and legendary cook given new role within club
Delia Smith has stepped down as a director at Norwich City and handed over her majority stake in the club to American consortium Norfolk Holdings. The 85-year-old TV chef and her husband Michael Wynn Jones will reportedly still own ten percent of the club and will now serve as honorary life presidents. Smith invested in Norwich City in 1996 when the club was facing financial struggles following relegation from the Premier League. Despite not receiving any money for passing on control, she believes this move will ensure the long-term financial security of the club.
Smith’s involvement with Norwich City has spanned 28 years, during which time she has overseen the club’s promotions and relegations from the Premier League. Known for revamping the catering at Carrow Road and delivering a passionate half-time speech in 2005, Smith has been a key figure in the club’s history. However, with Norwich City reportedly facing a significant debt of around £59 million, she has decided to step down from her role on the board in order to secure the club’s future. Fans have expressed their gratitude for her contributions to the club, praising her and Michael for their dedication and passion.
Norfolk Holdings, led by businessman Mark Attanasio, joined Norwich City’s board two years ago and is now set to take majority ownership of the club following a successful vote at a general meeting. Attanasio, who also owns baseball team the Milwaukee Brewers, is a co-founder of Crescent Capital Group, an investment firm based in California. The consortium’s investment in Norwich City comes at a crucial time as the club continues to compete in the Championship, currently sitting seventh in the league. Fans and shareholders have expressed their gratitude for the Smiths’ contributions to the club and their efforts to secure its future.
As Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones transition into their new roles as honorary life presidents of Norwich City, the club looks ahead to a new chapter under the ownership of Norfolk Holdings. Smith’s decision to step down from her position on the board reflects her commitment to the long-term financial stability of the club in the face of significant debt. Fans and shareholders have expressed their appreciation for the Smiths’ contributions to Norwich City over nearly three decades, highlighting their passion and dedication to the club. With a new majority ownership in place, Norwich City looks toward the future with optimism and a continued focus on success in the Championship and beyond.
