More than 20,000 of the Norwich City faithful have renewed their season tickets for the next campaign, but for the first time in years, there is a chance for newcomers to snap them up.

Eastern Daily Press: James Maddison has been the star performer for the Canaries in a difficult season. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 64026717/03/2018James Maddison has been the star performer for the Canaries in a difficult season. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 64026717/03/2018 (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

The Carrow Road club has tended to cap the number of season ticket holders at 22,000 and, for a number of years, tickets have completely sold out.

But, with the Canaries in mid-table this season and some supporters critical of progress on the pitch, a 'few hundred fans' have chosen not to renew for the next campaign.

For the first time in many years, that has presented an opportunity for supporters who have not been able to get season tickets to apply for them for 2018/19.

Norwich City's managing director Steve Stone said: 'To once again have more than 20,000 already signed up for season tickets at Carrow Road next year is excellent.

'Such solid support is a testament to the loyalty and dedication of our fans and is the envy of many clubs elsewhere in the country.

'A few hundred fans have chosen not to renew their season tickets and therefore this has given us the opportunity to offer new season ticket holders the chance to purchase.'

The football club recently hailed the supporters after launching a bond scheme which aims to transform the academy facilities at Colney.

More than 700 investors indicated an interest in participating in the five-year, fixed bond scheme, which hit the maximum investment of £5m.

And the club is now launching a new Norwich City Academy Membership scheme. For £24 people can get their name inscribed on a plaque at Colney and get a quarterly newsletter about up and coming young Canaries.

Mr Stone, who gave a 'heartfelt thank-you' to the supporters, said: 'We have a number of new and exciting products for our fans, including the new season tickets, our relaunched and revamped Junior Canaries memberships, a new Norwich City Academy Membership scheme and a wide range of hospitality packages.'

Bosses at Carrow Road announced in January that non-corporate season ticket prices would be frozen for the fifth season

in a row.

Prices for 2018/19 are from:

• Adults: £499.50 (£21.72 per game)

• Over 75s: £305.50 (£13.28 per game)

• 65 plus: £388.50 (£14.72 per game)

• Under 21s: £220.50 (£9.59 per game)

• Under 18s: £94.75 (£4.12 per game)

• Under 12s: £69.75 (£3.03 per game)