Norwich City's friendly match at King's Lynn next week will go ahead as usual, despite problems at the west Norfolk club's ground. The main stand at The Walks is undergoing a revamp but took a heavy battering in the recent wet weather, leaving many parts under water.

By CHRIS LAKEY

Norwich City's friendly match at King's Lynn next week will go ahead as usual, despite problems at the west Norfolk club's ground.

The main stand at The Walks is undergoing a revamp but took a heavy battering in the recent wet weather, leaving many parts under water.

However, the Canaries have been assured that the pitch is fine and there will be adequate dressing rooms available next Wednesday - and that meets their requirements.

“We have been in dialogue with our friends at King's Lynn and have been made aware of all the problems they have faced following the recent adverse weather, and as far as we are concerned the match is going ahead as scheduled and we are very much looking forward to it,” said Canaries club secretary Kevan Platt.

The main stand at Lynn is undergoing a £350,000 revamp, but the club's function rooms and bars are shut after water came through the roof.

Only three sides will be open, with Health and Safety officials setting a reduced capacity limit of 3,500 after a meeting with club officials this week.

And while the main stand is out of action the dressing rooms will be available.

“The dressing rooms will be okay,” said Linnets manager Keith Webb. “That's about the only area that has not been affected. The smell is still hanging around because they haven't started the clear-up work yet because of the situation with the loss adjustors, but the changing rooms will be fine.”

The pitch will be “moved” away from the main stand to provide room for Webb, and his opposite number Peter Grant - although there will be no dug-outs.

“It will make a refreshing change not to have no one behind us,” added Webb. “But the pitch itself is in fantastic condition, despite all the rain we have had.”

The visit to Lynn comes 24 hours after City travel to Lowestoft, who are expecting a 2,000 gate for the Roy Harper Memorial Shield match.

Blues joint manager Micky Chapman said: “This will be a fantastic occasion and a chance of a lifetime for the players, and great opportunity for the fans as well.

“It's a superb gesture on behalf of Norwich to bring their first team squad - and it's a great way for us to kick off our pre-season campaign. We're really looking forward to it.”

Lowestoft have suffered financial problems of late, but City legend Bryan Gunn will be doing his bit after the match when he oversees proceedings in an auction of sporting memorabilia in the clubhouse.

(.) Both matches kick-off at 7.45pm, with entry at Lynn for standing only costing £5 and £2.50 concessions. Club officials point out the severe parking restrictions and the lack of lounge bar facilities. Lowestoft tickets priced £8 for adults, £5 for pensioners and £3 for children.