NCISA chairman steps down

Lord Mayor-elect Roy Blower has stepped down from the Norwich City Independent Supporters Association (NCISA) after nearly 12 years as chairman.

Blower has been at the helm since the organisation was founded in 1995 at the height of the protests against then Canaries chairman Robert Chase.

However, he has decided to step down because of the pending increase in civic duties when he takes up the role of Lord Mayor of the City of Norwich on May 22.

However, there is one date he is looking forward to - a civic ceremony at the end of next season to celebrate the Canaries return to the Premiership.

“I won't take it for granted, if you forgive the pun,” said Blower. “It will be my 60th anniversary next April of supporting Norwich and I can't think of any better way to celebrate.”

Blower's association took him from young fan to a 2d On The Ball seller in the mid 50s, to selling programmes, cushions to fans in the main stand, and stand steward in the 60s - when he won payment for volunteer stewards for the first time.

He remains a committee member of NCISA, but says the work load would be too much to carry on as chairman.

“I believe in every single thing we do and the aims and objectives we have,” he said. “To be first citizen of Norwich is something that as a little boy you might only have dreamed of and I am greatly honoured that my peers feel I am good enough to enter this era in such a position.

“My resignation is tinged with sadness, but no one person is more important than the organisation. I have loved every minute of my involvement and being able to be at the front of house - but there are many players in the team.”

Treasurer John Tilson becomes acting chairman while membership secretary Clare Williamson becomes acting treasurer until the association's annual general meeting later this year.