David Cuffley Norwich City fans have given the club another huge boost as the battle for Championship survival continues. Nearly 900 season tickets were sold between the first and second deadlines for renewal, the Canaries confirmed today, bringing the total up to 17,824 - even though supporters still don't know which division their team will be playing in next season.

David Cuffley

Norwich City fans have given the club another huge boost as the battle for Championship survival continues.

Nearly 900 season tickets were sold between the first and second deadlines for renewal, the Canaries confirmed today, bringing the total up to 17,824 - even though supporters still don't know which division their team will be playing in next season.

The second deadline was Easter Monday, the day of City's vital 2-0 victory over Watford.

Richard Gough, the club's customer service manager, said: "The previous figure was 16,939, so we've sold an extra 885 since the first deadline at end of February.

"We're absolutely delighted. It's nearly an extra thousand to come in during that period, the vast majority in the last 10 days, and that's terrific. The support for this club is fantastic at what is certainly an ecomonically challenging time."

Existing season ticket-holders yet to renew their seats have just over three weeks left to do so.

"There are still some who have to decide whether to renew, about 2,500, but to guarantee their existing seats they must do so by Saturday, May 9," said Gough.

City will set aside a week from Tuesday, May 12, for "movers and shakers" - those wishing to move seats.

A cap on season ticket sales will be set at about 20,350 to allow for the needs of casual supporters and visiting fans. If the worst happens and City are relegated to League One, fans who renewed by the first deadline can claim a 15 per cent rebate. Those renewing after that can claim 10 per cent back.