Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones: The ideal football owners?

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In a week where football ownership at the top of the game has been widely scrutinised, Delia Smith and Norwich City proved money does not always hold the key to success.

Despite the Canaries falling to defeat against Bournemouth at the weekend, Daniel Farke’s side sealed a well-deserved promotion after Brentford and Swansea failed to win in the early fixtures. But even a first defeat in 14 games could not dampen the celebrations at Carrow Road.

In the midst of all the celebrations, a jubilant Delia Smith was seen interacting and chanting with excited fans outside Carrow Road. A rare sight at the top of the modern game where football club owners often remain detached from those at the heart of the club, the fans.

Since Delia and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones acquired majority ownership in 1997, periods have arisen where sections of Norwich fans have felt frustrated at their lack of financial power relative to other clubs. However, their deep-rooted loyalty to Norwich City and placing the interests of the club and the fans first is worth more than any bank balance.

Delia and Michael at the helm

Following years of turmoil under chairman Robert Chase and as the club spiralled into financial troubles, Delia and Michael were crucial to the Norfolk clubs’ recovery. A series of mid-table finishes brought stability to the club, as fans started to reattach themselves to the club.

Next came the turning point, the club was promoted to the Premier League in 2003/04 under the management of Nigel Worthington. Her passion later displayed in one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history. The celebrity cooks storming onto the pitch at half-time in a fixture against Manchester City to stir up support, but unfortunately, they were relegated.

Lots of lows followed as Norwich started a gradual decline before eventually dropped into League One for the first time in over 50 years in 2008/09. The decline coincided with money issues, with the couple stepping up as owners once again to inject £2 million into the club to save financial problems.

The club has been on a rollercoaster journey ever since, but one which has generally been very positive. However, money problems have never been far away when the club got into further financial problems after they overspent in 2016.

The turning point

Norwich City have developed the tag of a yo-yo club over the past decades, something which is seemingly frowned upon. Following promotion to the Premier League in 2018/19; the club was further criticised for not spending big transfer fees and working outside their means in an attempt to stay in the top-flight.

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With the introduction of new sporting director of Stuart Webber in 2017, Norwich City became one of the pioneers in English football for the self-sustainable model. This decision stemmed from Delia and Michael; it is arguably the best decision they have ever made.

The fans have bought into the idea of developing youth players, low spending, and a long-term vision for the club. The club has to sell their best players for big profits for the model to function, but the supporters’ acceptance to this model has been documented by the shift in fan atmosphere at Carrow Road before Covid-19.

Moving forwards

As everyone connected to Norwich City can look forward to another season in the Premier League; many clubs with much wealthier owners would love to enjoy the relative success that the Canaries have endured. Promoted for the fifth time from the Championship in the last 20 years under the ownership of Delia Smith.

The Canaries will retain one of the lowest budgets in the Premier League next season. However, the togetherness and unity present them with a good chance of survival. The club will remain transparent with fans in a division where many supporters are merely regarded as customers.

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When the day comes that Delia and Michael leave Norwich City, they will be remembered as fans who became owners and took the club forwards from some of its darkest days. A clear ethos has been stamped on the club, and it will be very hard to replace them as owners.

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