In 1996, Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones joined Norwich City’s board of directors, taking on the role after the departure of owner Robert Chase amidst financial turmoil. By 1998, the couple had purchased a 42% shareholding from director Geoffrey Watling, who was struggling with his health. The club narrowly missed out on returning to the top flight in 2002 under manager Nigel Worthington, losing in a penalty shootout in the Division One play-off final. However, in 2004, inspired by the signing of Darren Huckerby, Norwich City won the title and returned to the Premier League, only to be relegated after one season.
In 2009, Norwich City faced relegation to League One for the first time in 50 years, coming close to going into administration. The following year, a devastating defeat on the opening day led to the appointment of Paul Lambert as manager, who inspired a turnaround and a League One title win. Under Lambert’s leadership, the team achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2011, led by players such as Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan. However, the club’s stay in the top flight was short-lived, and they were relegated again in 2014 under manager Neil Adams, after sacking Chris Hughton.
In 2015, Norwich City bounced back with the arrival of Scottish manager Alex Neil, securing promotion to the Premier League by winning the play-off final at Wembley. Once again, their time in the top tier was brief, as they were relegated after one season, solidifying their reputation as a yo-yo club. Despite this pattern, Norwich City managed to secure another Championship title under German boss Daniel Farke in 2019 and 2021, but their self-funded financial model struggled to compete in the Premier League, leading to immediate relegation each time.
In 2022, a new era began for Norwich City as businessman Mark Attanasio acquired a minority shareholding in the club, with the blessing of Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones. By 2024, Attanasio’s group Norfolk Holdings had taken majority control of the club, marking a significant shift in ownership. As the club continues to navigate the challenges of competing in the top flight, supporters look ahead to what the future holds under new leadership and with a renewed sense of hope for Norwich City’s success.
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