Social club volunteer shines on BBC Radio Norfolk’s Yellow Friday
Norwich City Fans Social Club volunteer, Craig Bailey, featured as the ‘Friday Fan’ on the popular BBC Radio Norfolk show, Yellow Friday, this week.
He spoke to host Jack Maclean about a range of topics including the recent departure of Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones from the Norwich City board, the social club’s recent Fans’ Forum with Johannes Hoff Thorup, and the upcoming game against Middlesbrough.
Craig, who has been a Norwich City fan since 1985, expressed his gratitude to longtime club owners, Delia Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones, who are stepping back after nearly three decades.
“They’re really nice people… a 28-year tenure. You don’t see that too often. They’re a dying breed in sport,” he reflected, emphasising their generosity and genuine love for the club. “I’ve got nothing but good things to say about them, and I know everyone at the social club wanted to pass on their thanks, and wish them all the best for the future.”
He acknowledged the challenges of modern football and praised the way they have overseen the handover of control to Mark Attanasio. “I think that the really important thing is the succession planning, and how much thought they have put into that with Mark Attanasio,” said Bailey.
With Norwich City preparing for future leadership under American investor Mark Attanasio, Craig spoke optimistically about the transition. “I think with what he’s done with the Milwaukee Brewers, he looks like he’s going to offer a similar mindset with the family environment of the club.”
Craig also spoke about the recent Fans’ Forum organised by the social club with head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup and assistant Glen Riddersholm, held at Carrow Road. He was particularly impressed by Thorup’s personality and leadership style.
“I actually found it really inspiring,” he shared, reflecting on Thorup’s commitment to building a strong culture. “You can see he’s trying to build something… you can see why both the younger and the older players have bought into what he wants to do.”
Adding: “You can see how you’d be inspired to play for him. He’s just got that personality. You can’t teach that. You’ve either got it or you haven’t. He definitely has. Very charming, very funny.”
On the topic of former England star Jack Wilshere joining the coaching team, Craig called it “quite a coup for Norwich,” explaining that Wilshere’s ambition and respect within coaching circles signify “great intentions from the club.”
Looking ahead to the weekend’s match against Middlesbrough, Craig predicted a close game. “I think a narrow win, 2-1,” he said, noting the challenge of playing without standout midfielder Marcelino Núñez and key goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who are both currently injured.
Despite the setbacks, Craig praised the team’s game plan under Thorup, explaining, “The work rate is up massively… you can see what they’re trying to do. Even though some people drop out, the players know what they’ve got to do.”
He also closed with an open invitation to fans to join the Norwich City Fans Social Club’s events, explaining, “You don’t join; you just join in!”
Listen to the latest episode of Yellow Friday on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0jtwq0v
