Delia Smith explains infamous Norwich City rallying cry speech

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

Delia Smith has explained her famous "let's be having you" speech, delivered during a Norwich City match against Manchester City when the team were battling relegation. At half-time, Norwich had let a 2-0 lead slip to 2-2. Smith said she wanted to encourage fans to get behind the team after the atmosphere fell flat. She told supporters: "A message for the best football supporters in the world. We need a 12th man here. Where are you? Where are you?! Let's be having you! Come on!"

Speaking on the Amol Rajan Connections podcast, Smith said she had originally wanted to display an encouraging message on the screen but was told it was too late. She also said she was not aware that Sky were broadcasting the match that night. Smith described fans as "like little church mice, you know, they weren't singing anything, they weren't cheering."

Smith denied she was drunk when making the impassioned plea to supporters and said she had not practised what she would say beforehand. "I wasn't drunk, you know, you're not allowed to be passionate in England unless you're drunk," she said.

How it is being reported

• Delia Smith on what really happened in THAT infamous 'Let's be 'aving you' speechDelia Smith has spoken out about the moment she delivered her famous "let's be having you" speech.Norwich Evening News · 23 Oct, 11:35
• Delia Smith on what really happened in THAT infamous 'Let's be 'aving you' speechDelia Smith has spoken out about the moment she delivered her famous "let's be having you" speech.Eastern Daily Press · 23 Oct, 11:35

In this story: Delia Smith · Norwich City · Manchester City · Amol Rajan · Sky

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