"Mr Football" dies..

[Huckerbys right foot]

Geoffrey Watling, Norwich City Football Club's president and the man known as Mr Football, has died at the age of 91.

Mr Watling was involved with the club for nearly half a century, becoming chairman in 1957.

A highly-respected figure, he played a pivotal role in the difficult days at the end of the Robert Chase era in 1996.

An astute businessman, he steered the club from near bankruptcy in the 1950s to the FA Cup semi-finals and promotion to the Second Division in just a few years, culminating in the 1971- 72 run into the First Division. When he took over as chairman he said: "Let's cut the cackle and get on with the job. If we don't pull round it won't be for want of trying. I can't do it alone, nor can the board, but with the support of everyone it can be done."

His career began when he was just nine: he kept 3000 rabbits and employed a man to look after them.

Born in April 1913, he was the son of former Lord Mayor Charles Watling, who from a humble beginning with a one-horse van built up a big carrier's business. His motto was "Watling is willing".

Mr Watling went to Norwich School and then Paston Grammar School before taking over the family business, which he reformed and expanded. Lorries replaced horses and vans, and he added a taxi business to his empire.

Apart from football, is he probably best known for being the man who ran the Samson & Hercules. He bought it in the 1950s because "people like to dance". Over the years he was involved in almost 150 various business enterprises across the region.

Source: Pink'un

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sad news we got a stand named after him he will live on with the club

R.I.P

[canarymatt256]

Rest in peace mr norwich city! he was a legend for our club and will never be forgotten.