EFL cult hero rewards fans with brilliant gesture after they came to his rescue by crowdfunding to help him keep medal
EX-PLYMOUTH ARGYLE star David Norris passed out the pasties to thank supporters for their generosity today.
The now 43-year-old claimed his parents had “disappeared with my savings” back in January.
The ex-midfielder then put his League One winners’ medal, which he won with Plymouth in 2004, up for sale in an apparent bid to raise some much-needed cash.
After his post went viral on social media, the football community, led by Pilgrims fans, raised £6,000 for their 2006 Player of the Year on JustGiving in order to stop him having to flog his prized memorabilia.
Norris, who went on to enjoy more success with Ipswich, Portsmouth and Leeds, showed his appreciation today by handing out 1,330 Cornish Pasties to fans from both Plymouth and Ipswich ahead of today’s Championship clash between his two old teams.
He teamed up with Sky Bet and Plymouth to give away £6,000 worth of pasties and hot snacks to both sets of fans.
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.
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 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.
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“We’re delighted to have supported David in this gesture of saying thanks to them.”
Meanwhile, Plymouth’s head of marketing and communications Jamie Yabsley added: “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.”
Norris scored five goals in 45 matches to help Argyle win promotion to the Championship twenty years ago.