Norwich CBS cancel matches after death of Jennifer Collison

Norwich CBS were due to face Great Yarmouth Town on Wednesday night but the game was called off by request of Bowthorpe-based CBS on compassionate grounds.

Explaining the situation further on Thursday morning in a social media post, a Norwich CBS spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness and pure disbelief that we are making it known that Jennifer Collison, wife of manager Mark and our former club secretary, tragically passed away on February 21.

"Everyone at the club is in a state of shock at the loss of such a kind, caring and loving individual who only last week had been given the all-clear after a nine-month battle with cancer, which makes our loss an even more bitter pill to swallow."

The statement was released to an outpouring of support and condolences from a number of other non-league clubs including Harleston Town FC and Mulbarton FC.

The statement continued: "As many of you know we are a family-run club so this news has ripped a hole in all of our hearts - none more so than our manager Mark who our thoughts and prayers are with during this extremely difficult time.

"We politely request that Mark's privacy is respected and he is given the time and space he needs."

The first team of Norwich CBS play their home matches at the FDC in Bowthorpe - Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Newsquest)

Norwich CBS play at step six of the non-league pyramid, in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North, currently sitting in mid-table after finishing fourth last season.

They have postponed all club fixtures this week following the sad news.

The club was previously known as Norwich Union, then briefly AFC Norwich before becoming Spixworth in 2009 and then Norwich CBS in 2017.

Its first team plays at the Football Development Centre in Bowthorpe, with the CBS in its name representing the company of a club director.