Mark Armstrong Norwich City defender Adam Drury believes every member of the current squad has something to prove in the Championship this season. The Canaries' last stay in the second tier ended on a sour note with relegation under Bryan Gunn at Charlton and Drury is determined to banish those memories this campaign, starting against Watford on Friday in their season opener.

Mark Armstrong

Norwich City defender Adam Drury believes every member of the current squad has something to prove in the Championship this season.

The Canaries' last stay in the second tier ended on a sour note with relegation under Bryan Gunn at Charlton and Drury is determined to banish those memories this campaign, starting against Watford on Friday in their season opener.

“Every player has a bit to prove when they go out and play at this level,” admitted Drury, who skippered the Canaries to the Division One (now Championship) title in the 2003-04 season.

“We've got something to prove after the last time we were in the Championship and we feel ready.

“It's a test for a lot of the lads. Some of them haven't played in the Championship before, some have and know what it's about.

“We've been looked after brilliantly by all the people at the club who set out plans to get us where we want to be and I think it's gone how they want it to.”

The fact that Norwich will start their season in front of a full house at home is seen as a positive within the City squad despite what happened last season when the club plunged to ground zero following the 7-1 humbling against Colchester United.

While Drury would like to see City carry their good form and stylish pattern from pre-season into the new campaign, he is only interested in securing three points against the Hornets and getting off to the best possible start.

“We've got to use the fact we are at home as a plus. We've got an unbelievable fan base and the atmosphere here is always great.

“Obviously we are on television as well and we've got to try and use all that to our advantage. The main thing is winning and it doesn't matter how you do it - it's only going to be enjoyable if we win.”

Drury added that the summer signings had all settled in well and had bought into the feelgood factor pervading the club as a result of last season's promotion.

“Germany had a big helping hand in getting the lads used to each other,” he said.

“It went very well out there and everyone has got minutes under their belt and it has all been geared to the first game of the season, when the results matter.

“The new boys have come in and seen how excited everyone is about the new season. Everyone has enjoyed it so far in the first two games (at home) and when the season starts and it's a full house every week then they will enjoy it even more.”

Grant Holt looks certain to play a part against Watford after showing no ill effects from the thigh injury that kept him out of most of the pre-season campaign.

Drury said the skipper's return to fitness has acted as a big boost to the squad.

“It was massive for us. He's our captain and for him to get back out there and get 20 minutes under his belt is huge for us,” he said.

“Everyone has got their fitness levels up now - we've had a few knocks along the way but everyone seems to be coming back now.”