2016 marks 50 years since tragic death of iconic City defender
NORWICH City are delighted to announce that the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy for our Anglian Home Improvements Player of the Season will be presented by Barry's widow Thelma ahead of Wednesday's game against Watford, with 2016 marking 50 years since the former City player's tragic death.
Butler, a Canaries legend who made 349 appearances for the Club and was part of the team that famously reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1959, died in a car accident aged just 31 on April 9, 1966 at the height of his Carrow Road career.
Thelma, along with her sons Greg and David and extended family, will be guests of honour on Wednesday when City’s best player from the 2015-16 campaign, as voted for by the fans, will collect the prestigious trophy named in honour of the iconic defender.
Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Thelma said: "We’re really looking forward to it, and it’s lovely for the boys that this cup is presented in their father’s name.
Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Thelma said: "We’re really looking forward to it, and it’s lovely for the boys that this cup is presented in their father’s name.
"I found out quite soon after he died that the trophy was going to be named after him. I thought it was wonderful that he would be remembered in that way."
Wednesday's presentation will be the first time that Thelma has handed the cup over to its winner, and she says it will be a significant moment for her family.
Wednesday's presentation will be the first time that Thelma has handed the cup over to its winner, and she says it will be a significant moment for her family.
"They did ask me before but I’d moved back up north then and I didn’t come down," she added.
"I’ve got a case full of cuttings and everything else about Barry which the boys used to look at when they were younger. They knew all about him.
"It was only when we’ve come back for a few reunions that they realised how well thought of he was by the supporters and everyone else. They’re very proud of their father.
"He loved Norwich, and loved being here. He was going to be player-coach before he died, and when it happened all of the players' wives were wonderful for me; I'm still in contact with people from back then.
"The evening means a lot to us and we're really looking forward to it."
The presentation process for the Anglian Home Improvements Player of the Season will take place from 7:20pm, with supporters encouraged to arrive to the ground early.
"The evening means a lot to us and we're really looking forward to it."
The presentation process for the Anglian Home Improvements Player of the Season will take place from 7:20pm, with supporters encouraged to arrive to the ground early.