Former Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle midfielder David Norris will be thanking fans for their crowdfunding campaign ahead of Saturday's clash at Home Park.

Norris played for various Football League clubs throughout his playing career, joining the Pilgrims on an initial loan deal in 2002. He ended up signing permanently, making almost 250 appearances for the club in a six-year spell. He won the Second Division title in 2004 and was named as their Player of the Year in 2006.

He went on to join Town in 2008, making 118 appearances across four seasons at Portman Road.

Unfortunately, he recently fell into unexpected financial difficulties, leaving him on the verge of being forced to auction off the 2003-04 League One winners medal he won whilst playing for the club. However, a campaign led by Plymouth fans helped raise £6,000 for Norris on JustGiving.

To thank supporters, Norris will be in attendance this weekend as Argyle host the Blues, allowing him to hand out £6,000 worth of pasties and hot snacks. Sky Bet will help deliver the reward scheme as part of its new #ForTheFans campaign, which aims to champion the modern football fan and fan culture whilst making their matchday experience better.

Norris said: “After being faced with what is a really difficult situation in my personal life, the response I have had from Plymouth and Ipswich fans along with the wider the football community has been incredible. The generosity and kindness they have shown has been overwhelming and I am really pleased to be able to show my appreciation for them this weekend and help give back to them with help from Sky Bet.”

Leigh Peacock-Goodwin, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at Sky Bet said: “We want to celebrate all the best parts of football fan culture in the UK and the Plymouth fans’ commitment to their former player really stood out. We’re delighted to be able to support David in this gesture of saying thanks to them.”

Jamie Yabsley, Head of Marketing & Communications at Plymouth Argyle Football Club said: “Our fans’ loyalty to the club and its players - both past and present - is clear to see. The way they showed up for David whilst he is facing a hard time fully embodies the spirit of the club and we are glad to be giving them the recognition and rewards they deserve for their generosity alongside Sky Bet.”

The free food vouchers will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis to the first fans through the turnstiles at each of the four stands at Home Park Stadium on Saturday from 1:30pm GMT, meaning Plymouth fans and the wider football community will be collectively treated to 1,330 free snacks as a thank you from David Norris.