More than 11,000 Norwich City fans have snapped up season tickets for 2007-08 as the first renewal deadline approaches, it was revealed today. The Canaries sold out of season tickets for the current campaign, reaching their own ceiling of just over 20,000.

More than 11,000 Norwich City fans have snapped up season tickets for 2007-08 as the first renewal deadline approaches, it was revealed today.

The Canaries sold out of season tickets for the current campaign, reaching their own ceiling of just over 20,000.

With just two days to go until the first deadline on Saturday, chief executive Neil Doncaster described fans' response as “extremely encouraging”.

He said: “Over 11,000 season-ticket holders have already signed up for next season, just about on par with last season's renewal rate at this point of the campaign.

“And with 1,050 supporters now signed up to our waiting list for season tickets, there is every reason to suspect the huge home crowds that we have seen at Carrow Road for some years are set to continue.

“It seems, particularly with so many families keen to buy season tickets to sit together, that we will again see demand for season tickets that remains the envy of all our competitors in the Championship. To continue to enjoy season-ticket numbers that are the best in this division and with attendances better than seven Premiership clubs is testament indeed to the unrelenting loyalty and passion of City supporters.

“No one is pretending that this season hasn't fallen well short of expectations on the pitch. But the tremendous loyalty among Norwich City fans that has been so much a part of the club's recent history will continue to give us the best possible chance of success on the pitch next season.”

City's renewal scheme means fans have until Saturday to book their place for next season at the lowest available price. For example, a Barclay Stamd season ticket renewed by Saturday costs £356. Leave it until the May 15 cut-off point and it will cost £383.

Those on the waiting list will be contacted after the second deadline if there are seats available.

With the Canaries in 16th place in the Championship after Tuesday's 3-2 win at Luton, still likely to need three more wins to guarantee safety, Doncaster appealed to fans to maintain a united front.

He said: “As we enter the crucial final part of this season, the importance of pulling together and demonstrating a united front cannot be over-stated.

“Back in 2003-2004, Carrow Road had become a real fortress - teams simply did not fancy playing at a stadium where the passion and noise from the home support demoralised the opposition even before a ball had been kicked.

“With 13 games left to play before the summer break, that support will be absolutely crucial as we attempt to move ourselves up the table and into mid-table safety.”