David Norris thanks football fans for their support

Former Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town midfielder, David Norris, showed his appreciation to the football community, helping hand out 1,330 Cornish Pasties to fans from both clubs at Home Park Stadium on Saturday in a gesture of thanks for their generosity in crowdfunding £6,000 for him.

Norris, who played over 200 games for Plymouth Argyle, recently fell into unexpected financial difficulties, leaving him on the verge of being forced to auction off the 2003-04 League One winners medal he won whilst playing for the club.

After seeing the former midfielder’s post on social media, the football community, led by Pilgrims fans, quickly jumped to the rescue and raised £6,000 for Norris on crowdfunding platform JustGiving, so he could avoid selling off his prized memorabilia.

On Saturday, Norris teamed up with Sky Bet and Plymouth Argyle F.C. to hand out £6,000 worth of pasties and hot snacks to both sets of fans before Plymouth’s EFL Championship game vs. Ipswich Town. Sky Bet helped deliver the reward scheme as part of its new #ForTheFans campaign, which champions the modern football fan and fan culture, whilst helping to make their matchday experience better.

David Norris said: “After being faced with this difficult situation in my personal life, the response I have had from Plymouth and Ipswich fans along with the wider the football community has been incredible. The generosity and kindness I have been shown has been overwhelming and I’m really pleased I’ve been able to show my appreciation for them this weekend and give something back with help from Sky Bet.”

Leigh Peacock-Goodwin, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at Sky Bet said: “We want to celebrate all the best parts of football fan culture in the UK and the Plymouth fans’ commitment to their former player really stood out. We’re delighted to have supported David in this gesture of saying thanks to them.”

Jamie Yabsley, Head of Marketing & Communications at Plymouth Argyle Football Club said: “Our fans’ loyalty to the club and its players - both past and present - is clear to see. The way they showed up for David whilst he is facing a hard time fully embodies the spirit of the club and we are glad to have given them the recognition and rewards they deserve for their generosity today alongside Sky Bet.”