Hundreds take part in Norwich City fans’ march ahead of derby day clash

Hundreds of Norwich City fans turned out for a friendly march ahead of today's derby day match against Ipswich Town.

Eastern Daily Press: Fans ahead of the NCFC v Ipswich Derby Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 Fans ahead of the NCFC v Ipswich Derby Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

The mass event in Norwich, only the second of its kind for the Canaries, featured loud and passionate singing, large flags and fans of all ages.

It went from the Queen of Iceni Wetherspoon pub towards Carrow Road.

Organiser Andrew Lawn, founder of Norwich City fan site Along Come Norwich, said: 'We want to create an environment where everyone feels welcome with their mates and have a fun time.'

He said part of the reason behind the march was to improve the atmosphere in the ground.

Lifelong fan Oliver Hill, 37, from Fakenham Road in Taverham, who was part of the march, said: 'We want to get the atmosphere going. It hasn't been a bad season but it hasn't been brilliant. This is a game we don't want to lose. It is a good turn out for the march.'

Chris Reeve, who presents a Norwich City fans' podcast for TalkNorwichCity, said the march was a good way of boosting the reputation of the Canaries as being a community club.

'We are trying to get people together. We [the Canaries] are below par for this stage of the season and the extra support might get the players over the line into the Premier League over the next two years.'

Teacher Nick Stephens, 26, from Bedfordshire, whose connection to the club stemmed from his grandfather, said: 'This is the last time I'm going to be a season ticket holder for Norwich City so I thought I had to be involved in the march.'

He added having a good atmosphere in the ground and during matches helped the club's overall performance.

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'The march kicks things off and gets everyone in the community together,' Mr Stephens said.

Eastern Daily Press: Fans ahead of the NCFC v Ipswich Derby Tony Rodi and Jim DistillByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 Fans ahead of the NCFC v Ipswich Derby Tony Rodi and Jim DistillByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

The first time Canaries fans held a supporters pre-match march was ahead of the Sunderland match last year at Carrow Road.

As well as the march support was provided to the Canaries by the derby day dog, who entertained the crowds outside the stadium before the match.

Eastern Daily Press: Fans ahead of the NCFC v Ipswich Derby Lucy JamesByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 Fans ahead of the NCFC v Ipswich Derby Lucy JamesByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

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