Dereham set to play host to new signings

Ian Clarke

Some of Norwich City's expected influx of new summer signings could get their first outing in a Canaries' shirt at Dereham Town's Aldiss Park ground.

A City XI - managed by first team coach Paul Stephenson - will visit the Magpies on Friday July 25.

The match comes just after the two-game tour of Sweden on July 19 and 22 and just before the high-profile pre-season friendly with Spurs at Carrow Road on Monday July 28.

While the Dereham match is likely to be mainly aimed at giving fringe players a run out, there is a chance that new signings and first team regulars needing extra match practice could feature.

Norwich and Dereham have built up a close relationship in recent years and thousands of fans have flocked to Aldiss Park for previous pre-season friendlies.

City spokesman Joe Ferrari said: “We are delighted to be sending a team to Dereham. We have been there previously and it has always been a great facility and a very good pitch. There are a lot of Norwich fans in the Dereham area and it will be good experience for the lads as they prepare for the next Championship season.”

Dereham will be hoping for a crowd of at least 1,000 - which could be boosted even further if news emerges of high-profile City players being on show.

Dereham chairman Simon Barnes said: “This is what the club is all about, to have big fixtures like this.”

He said it would be a great preparation for the new campaign as the Magpies look to build on their best ever finish of fourth in the Ridgeons League.

Dereham manager Matty Henman - who has just re-signed Danny Beaumont, Scott Gray, Stuart Garner and Jay Eastoe-Smith - said: “It's great news.”

t City have already sold 8,000 tickets for the Spurs game, 7.45pm kick off. The other Carrow Road friendly so far confirmed is against Colchester on Saturday August 2, 5pm.