David Cuffley More than 700 fans have snapped up new season tickets as Norwich City's revival under manager Glenn Roeder gathers fresh converts.Up to yesterday, 11,656 supporters had already booked their seats at Carrow Road for the 2008-09 season.

David Cuffley

More than 700 fans have snapped up new season tickets as Norwich City's revival under manager Glenn Roeder gathers fresh converts.

Up to yesterday, 11,656 supporters had already booked their seats at Carrow Road for the 2008-09 season. There are now three days to go to the first of three deadlines for existing ticket-holders to renew.

By the first deadline last season, City had sold 15,776 season tickets, and they are confident of matching or bettering that by Saturday night, with renewals coming in at a rate of about 1,000 per day as the deadline approaches.

“Last year, seven to eight thousand fans renewed in the final week before the first deadline,” said director of sales and marketing Andrew Cullen. “At the rate they're coming in at the moment, I'd say these figures are very encouraging.

“If you look at all the different dynamics involved in deciding whether to buy a season ticket, the performance of the team has certainly created a more upbeat feel.

“But affordability is also important. It's not just the price you set, it's how people can pay for it.”

Of the renewals so far, 55 per cent of fans have chosen a new interest-free 12-month payment plan, compared to 47 per cent this season when the terms were for three, six or nine months.

The 700 new tickets are split roughly 50-50 between new adult buyers and the extended family area.

Early indications are that the Canaries have also stemmed the loss of young supporters, thanks to new prices for under-21s.

“Five years ago, 23 per cent of our fans were under 21. That was down to 15 per cent this season, but 20 per cent of those who have bought season tickets so far are under 21,” said Cullen.

The cost of renewing an adult season ticket in the Barclay Stand is £366, up to and including March 1. The price rises to £398 until May 9, then £415 up to and including May 17.

For new buyers, the three prices are £388, £410 and £415.

City have more season ticket-holders than any other Championship club, and the second highest average home attendance in the division at 24,466.

Saturday's gate of 24,197 against Barnsley was the biggest in the Championship and better than four of the weekend's Premier League games.