Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn Jones will become honorary life presidents at Norwich City Football Club following a recent shareholders' meeting that formally concluded their time as directors. For over 25 years, the pair has been synonymous with the Canaries, holding joint majority shareholder status since 1998.
The meeting, held at Carrow Road, approved the takeover by Norfolk Holdings, a group led by US businessman Mark Attanasio. Attanasio, the principal owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, has been on the club's board since acquiring a minority share two years ago. According to BBC reports, Smith and Wynn Jones will step down from their directorial roles but will remain active supporters, regularly attending matches as honorary life presidents without profiting from the deal.
The couple joined Norwich City’s board in November 1996, initially investing £2 million during a tumultuous financial period. Their leadership has seen the club through six promotions, six relegations, two play-off finals, and the hiring of 15 different managers.
Despite a reported pre-tax loss of £14.4 million for the 2023-24 financial year, Norwich City has started the current Championship season positively, thanks to significant changes, including the appointment of Danish head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup. Tom Smith, the couple's nephew, will continue on the board, alongside Zoe Webber and Attanasio’s business partner Richard Ressler, with an additional director set to be appointed by Norfolk Holdings.
Through the years, Smith and Wynn Jones’ tenure has been marked by both highs and lows, including a return to the Premier League and subsequent relegations. Their commitment has been instrumental in maintaining Norwich City’s presence in professional football, and they now pass the baton to new ownership eager to set a fresh course for the club's future.