Norwich United will say goodbye to Steve Shipley this evening in the defender's testimonial against Cambridge City at Plantation Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Shipley played a central role in Norwich United's rise. Picture: ArchantSteve Shipley played a central role in Norwich United's rise. Picture: Archant

Shipley called it a day at the end of last season, Norwich's first in the Isthmian League, but the club will pay tribute to the stalwart defender.

Shipley clocked up an impressive 562 appearances for United after joining them from Cambridge City for the start of the 2005/06 season.

He has been a central figure at the club ever since, helping the club to two Eastern Counties League Premier Division titles and establishing the Planters as a force at step four of the non league pyramid.

Shipley admitted to thoroughly enjoying his time with Norwich but felt it was time to call it a day.

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Shipley found the net on 29 occasions during his 12 years at Norwich United. Picture: ArchantSteve Shipley found the net on 29 occasions during his 12 years at Norwich United. Picture: Archant (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2015)

'(Norwich) is a great club and I am pleased that it has been successful in the last few years,' he said. 'I am certainly leaving the club in a better place than I found it and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing here.'

Shipley carved out a career as a dependable defender at the heart of the Planters' backline and played a key role in securing the league and cup double in the 2015/15 season.

Asked what his greatest achievement was during his time at Norwich he said: 'I thought finishing just off the play-offs last season was a good achievement as we had a different side to the year before but it would have to be the league and cup double. It was a great season. We won the league with over 100 points and had a good vase run, although we did go out in disappointing fashion in the last 16.'

Shipley regards current United boss Steve Eastaugh as the best he has played under whilst praising the effect former boss Damian Hilton had on the club

'I will go with Steve Eastaugh as I loved last season. He showed faith in me and personally I had one of my best years under him. He is a great coach and created a good atmosphere at the club. I also enjoyed it under Hilts (Hilton) who did a great job and brought success to the club. It was a great atmosphere under him, although he was an angry man when we lost, but luckily that didn't happen too much under him!'

The proceeds from tonight's friendly will go the East Anglian Children's Hospice.