Alex Neil’s gratitude to Delia and Michael for City chance

The Scot was plucked from obscurity to succeed Neil Adams in the Carrow Road hotseat in January 2015 and guided the Canaries to the Premier League via an unforgettable Wembley play-off victory over Middlesbrough later that year. 

Neil moved to Norfolk from Scottish side Hamilton and enjoyed success under the pair - becoming one of four managers to win promotion to the top-flight in their 27-year tenure as majority shareholders, having joined the board a year earlier. 

Despite being dismissed from the role in 2017, Neil has always spoken glowingly about Norwich and the opportunities afforded to him by the Canaries, which have altered the life of him and his family subsequently. 

Neil was one of several former City managers, players and directors to thank Smith and Wynn Jones in a tribute to their service at the club produced by the Pink Un. 

- Here is Alex Neil’s full message to Smith and Wynn Jones after they stepped down from the board at Norwich City

“Hi Delia and Michael. I know that you're moving on from your ownership at Norwich and passing the baton onto someone else - I just wanted to drop you a line to say how much you helped me in my young career at the time. 

"You changed my life and my family's life and we appreciate what you did for us. Going back 10 years ago, a young career getting an opportunity that nobody had ever heard of didn't happen particularly often albeit it's now something that happens regularly. 

"What it shows is the courage and strength of your belief in giving opportunities to people who ordinarily wouldn't get them. 

"All I can do is thank you for that. It's significantly changed my life. 

"I've been to a few clubs now and the first thing you say is how much of a family club. The one thing I found at Norwich, out of all the clubs I've managed so far, is that genuinely is the most family club that I've been to. That's mainly down to how you treat people, how inclusive you are and how much support you give the coach. 

Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones stood down as directors from the board of Norwich City last month. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) "We look back on it with great fondness as a family. It is not only one of the highlights of my career, but my life. I want to pass my thanks on. 

"You've done a lot of heavy lifting at Norwich over the years, now you can put your feet up and support the club with all the passion you've shown over your tenure. 

"Love you guys. Best of luck."