Delia kicks Atkins into touch

Norwich City boss and TV chef Delia Smith hopes a high-carb diet for her players will be the recipe for success in the Premiership.

Delia wants to ensure the Canaries are fighting fit after gaining promotion from Division One - thanks to Crystal Palace's 3-0 win over Sunderland last Wednesday. Instead of traditional footballing fare such as high fat fry-ups and pies, Delia wants her squad to eat pasta, bread and potatoes to provide energy to burn off on the pitch.

The 62-year-old majority shareholder at the club has already produced a booklet of healthy high carbohydrate recipes for players to cook at home.

The regime is the exact opposite of the trendy Atkins diet, which encourages followers to shun carbohydrates and fill up on proteins and fat foods.

Delia said: 'The last two managers were not so keen - but Nigel Worthington is. 'I have got nothing against Atkins - but it is poison to a footballer.'