CITY defender Adam Drury says Norwich's dozen summer signings have created positive competition for places across the field.
With Norwich since 2001, 30-year-old Drury is the perfect candidate to comment on comings and goings within the Canary camp. Speaking to First News, Drury said recent additions to the squad had brought a valued commitment to Bryan Gunn's side.
"This year nearly all the players are our players, they're Norwich City players and they want to be here and that's key," he commented. "Contracted players are a big positive, and with some players coming in and out we haven't had a settled side. When we've been successful, we've had a a settled team. We've brought in great quality all over the park, and we've basically brought in two teams now.
"A lot of players have come in a lot quicker than usual, when sometimes we've gone into games thinking we still need people in certain areas. The management team have done a great job in bringing in people as quickly as they can, and the new chief executive, David McNally, has done a great job as well.
"We've got a great squad, we've pretty much got two players for every position and that's what you need because there are a lot of games this season."
A regular feature in City's recent pre-season games, Drury added: "I feel confident because we did well in pre-season, but at the same time that doesn't count for anything unless we get three points on Saturday.
"We have to start this season as best as possible, and that's what we're aiming to do. It's been a big pre-season for me personally, just getting through it making sure my knee's ok and touch wood I've had no problems and it will stay that way.
"I haven't had a pre-season for a couple of years, that's been the problem. This year thankfully I've been able to play three or four full games. That's massive for me, and I'm more or less back to normal now. We've got competition all over the squad and that's no different for me - it's good because it keeps everyone on their toes."
He continued: "With the pre-season going the way it did, people expect us to do well but we've got high expectations too. We want to be up there challenging and that's what it's all about - playing at home in front of the big crowd is a fantastic thing. It's week-in, week-out and that's even over the last few years when we haven't been doing too well. It's time we gave something back to them, the people who turn up every week to watch us."
The only tickets currently remaining to home fans are in the Top of the Terrace, seat only, behind glass, priced at £30.
However, there will be a limited number of season ticket buy-back seats on sale on Saturday from 1pm at the buy-back windows next to the Ticket Office to personal callers on a one-per-supporter basis to those in the buy-back queue. Supporters can check on the quantity of available buy-backs by calling the Ticket Office on 0844 826 1902 from 9am on Saturday morning.
