DAVID CUFFLEY Norwich City still have nearly 1,300 season tickets up for grabs - and now it's a case of first come, first served. About 1,000 fans on the Canaries' waiting list took the chance to book their seats for 2007-08 after the deadline passed for existing holders to renew.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Norwich City still have nearly 1,300 season tickets up for grabs - and now it's a case of first come, first served.

About 1,000 fans on the Canaries' waiting list took the chance to book their seats for 2007-08 after the deadline passed for existing holders to renew.

The fortnight set aside for those on the waiting list ended on Wednesday, by which time a total of 18,755 season tickets had been sold.

City still have some ground to make up if they are to match last season, when they reached their season ticket cap of just over 20,000, but sales and marketing director Andrew Cullen said there was no disappointment at the figures - quite the opposite.

He said: “It's very encouraging that we have achieved that number. To do so in the third season after relegation would certainly exceed a club's expectations.

“If we leave aside executive boxes, there are nearly 1,300 season tickets left, and they are on general sale.

“Between this time last year and the start of last season, we sold another 600, and we will be working hard to encourage as many people as possible to guarantee a seat for next season.”

Clearly, one or two attractive new signings by manager Peter Grant would enhance City's chances of filling the gaps at Carrow Road, and some supporters may be waiting to see what the summer transfer merry-go-round brings.

About 500 fans on the waiting list have not taken up their option to buy season tickets, but if they still wish to do so, they and any new applicants are advised to get their tickets by Saturday, July 7, to get the best choice of seats.

“Season tickets are available in all parts of the stadium but we have 2,300 fans in our Hat Trick Plan, where they can buy casual tickets for seven games, and we will start to allocate those seats from July 7. So if you still want a season ticket, it's best to do so before July 7 to guarantee the seat you want,” said Cullen.

He still views the club's fan base and the loyalty of City supporters as remarkable.

“Go back to our third season after relegation 10 years ago, in 1997-98, and we had 6,000 season ticket-holders, which was down on 8,800 in the Premiership in 1995,” he said.

City have also sold 2,000 replica away shirts since they went on sale in April, bringing £60,000 into the club.

Season ticket prices for 2007-08 in the Barclay Stand and Norwich and Peterborough Stand are £415 for adults, £250 for senior citizens, £224 for under-16s and £85 for under-12s. In the family areas, tickets are £80 for under-16s and under-12s. Fans can spread the cost over a three-month period.

Further information is available from the Carrow Road ticket office on 0870 444 1902.