Chris Sutton: Delia and Michael right to let Norwich City go

For 27 years, they have poured their heart and soul into the success of that football club, often at great expense and criticism, whilst not demanding anything in return. Irrespective of anyone’s view of their tenure, I’m sure everyone feels huge respect for their efforts and love.

They never had the deepest pockets, but what they lacked in financial muscle, they made up for in love and commitment.

In years to come, they will be remembered fondly for their contribution. While they may no longer sit on the club’s board of directors, their presence will still be felt around Carrow Road as life presidents — as they deserve after their years of service.

Given their relative lack of wealth compared to others within football, the fact Norwich enjoyed seven of those seasons in the Premier League is remarkable. Other clubs with significantly richer owners haven’t got close to achieving that and would dream of that record, regardless of their struggles when they got there.

Personally, I’m not sure the club is in a better footballing position than when Delia and Michael took over, but I admire them greatly for having a go.

For context, Norwich spent nine of the 11 seasons under Robert Chase in the top-flight despite all the negativity that, I think unfairly, surrounded his name for much of his tenure. Even if I, like the supporters, became frustrated over his approach after that famous European season and his inability to keep Mike Walker or Ruel Fox, among others.

I was then part of the Blackburn team owned by Jack Walker, a local businessman who adored the club and wanted his team to become Premier League champions. I see that similar quality in Delia and Michael, but they just didn’t have the pockets that Jack or others in the game had.

Sadly, those deep pockets and the ability to write cheques are required to thrive in the Premier League now. They just didn’t have the financial clout to fulfil that particular dream, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.

Unfortunately, football games and league titles aren’t won on love. If they were, Norwich would be Champions League regulars under Delia and Michael. They are won on quality and the ability to attract the best players.

As the old saying goes ‘if you love something, let it free’.

Now is the right time for Norwich to embark on a new journey that can hopefully take them back to the Premier League and give them a better chance at remaining there.

Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones have overseen plenty during their long tenure as majority shareholders at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

In truth, I’m not sure Delia is my biggest fan. I was lucky enough to be invited to her and Michael’s 25th-anniversary celebration at Carrow Road along with Martin O’Neill, Chris Hughton and a host of other former managers and players.

I’d never met Delia in person before, but in a brief chat, she told me: ‘I’ve never really liked you. I never forgave you when you left.’

I laughed it off. I wasn’t a fan of every cookbook that she wrote, but I decided to keep my own counsel.

Michael is often afforded less attention because of Delia’s acclaim and notoriety, but his affection for Norwich is just as clear, and his commitment has been unwavering. I like him a lot, and nobody should underestimate the role he has played over the last 27 years.

As they step down from the board, I’d be interested to know whether they would do any of it differently if they could have their time again.

From the deep low of relegation to League One and being on the financial brink to the intoxicating highs of multiple promotions under Nigel Worthington, Daniel Farke and Paul Lambert – it’s certainly been a rollercoaster.

But as deep as their love is and as positive as their contribution has been, now is the right time for them to relinquish control and allow someone else to try to take Norwich forward.

I'd like to congratulate them on all they have achieved and the commitment they have shown to their football club.

In an age of bad owners or states-owning clubs, Delia and Michael deserve huge credit for always being present, accountable, and consistently engaging with supporters.

They didn’t need to put themselves in that position, and they’ve taken a lot of flak along the way, but they’ve acted with dignity and always put the club's interests first.

Mark Attanasio and his group seem to have deeper pockets and a clear data-led strategy to take Norwich City to the next level.

Over the last few years, he has shown his ambition with investment into the club and looks to have made a shrewd call in leading the process to hire Ben Knapper as sporting director.

Like Delia and Michael, he will be judged on whether he can get Norwich into the Premier League and keep them there. His track record at the Milwaukee Brewers shows steady improvement, but football is a completely different challenge compared to his achievements in baseball.

Mark Attanasio is hoping to take Norwich City back to the Premier League. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) He has a tough act to follow, and it will be different for Norwich to have an owner who isn’t at every game in person or even in the country for the vast majority of the campaign.

Attanasio doesn’t strike me as someone happy to sit in the Championship; he will want to see a return on his investment.

While it is sad to see the Delia and Michael era come to an end, there is excitement about what awaits the club under Attanasio.