DAVID CUFFLEY New first team coach Martin Hunter today declared himself delighted with the attitude of Norwich City players after their first week of training when he said: “They're champing at the bit.

DAVID CUFFLEY

New first team coach Martin Hunter today declared himself delighted with the attitude of Norwich City players after their first week of training when he said: “They're champing at the bit.”

The former England Under-19 coach, who started work with the Canaries last week after his move from the FA, is already relishing the day-to-day involvement of being back in club football.

Hunter, brought in by manager Nigel Worthington to replace the sacked Steve Foley, said he felt very much at home just 11 days after arriving at Colney.

“I am very impressed with the hard work the staff and players have been putting in,” said the 51-year-old Yorkshireman, putting his new charges through their paces in double training sessions each day.

“They have been working twice a day, early in the morning from 8.30 or nine, doing various physical things and then out on the training pitch until lunch. Then they're back at 3.45 in the afternoon, doing weights, some box work and then training again.

“These morning and afternoon sessions are common practice in clubs.

“The attitude has been excellent - all the staff have been working extremely hard, as have the individual players.

“Their fitness levels are very good. They've all worked very hard in the summer and now they're looking forward to the games. The players are champing at the bit but, of course, the proof of the pudding will be the matches.”

City being their pre-season programme with a trip to Fakenham Town next Wednesday evening, with a further five matches arranged before the Coca-Cola Championship season kicks off at Leeds on August 5.

After previous spells at Bradford City and Stoke City, Hunter, one of the first coaches to gain the UEFA Pro Licence, is feeling the benefit of working with senior players at club level on a daily basis as opposed to meeting his England youngsters at much longer intervals.

He said: “It's fantastic. My energy levels have shot up because I'm out training, not spending time driving in the car. It only takes 10 minutes going to the training ground.”

He said he had also received a warm welcome at Norwich - and not just because of the glorious weather.

“Nigel arranged a meeting at the ground for all the staff and the players to talk about what we are trying to achieve and setting out what he expected from the staff, and he gave me the opportunity to speak to the players, for which I was very grateful.

“The welcome has been fantastic. Supporters have been down here on different days and I feel quite at home in a short space of time.”