Norwich City mourn Michael Wynn Jones, former majority shareholder and Delia Smith's husband, at 85

Michael Wynn Jones, the former Norwich City majority shareholder and husband of TV chef Delia Smith, died peacefully at home on Monday morning at the age of 85. The Championship club confirmed the news in an official statement, describing him as a deeply missed honorary life president.

Jones and Smith held a majority stake in Norwich for 28 years, having first invested in the Canaries in 1997. The couple were regular presences at Carrow Road and poured millions of pounds into the club across nearly three decades of ownership.

“Everyone at Norwich City is deeply saddened by the passing of our honorary life president, Michael Wynn Jones,” the club said. “He will be greatly missed. His family are grateful for the wonderful care provided by the community nursing team at St Elizabeth Hospice. Our deepest condolences are with Delia and Tom, and with all of Michael’s family, friends and loved ones.”

The couple began reducing their involvement in October 2024, selling the majority of their shares to FB Norfolk Holdings Group, the company of American businessman Mark Attanasio, who now controls 85 per cent of the club. Jones and Smith retained a 10 per cent stake and were appointed honorary life presidents.

At the time of the sale, Norwich’s board placed on record “its sincere thanks and gratitude to Delia and Michael for their contributions to the club during their time as directors.”

Norwich asked that the family’s privacy be respected following the announcement.