Steve Bruce believes his old club is now feeling the full effects of dropping out of the Premier League.

The Canaries embarked on a new football model, after failing to bounce back at the first attempt last season, while also adjusting to the new financial reality.

'It shows you how difficult it is. They were in the Premier League two years ago,' said Bruce, who won the League Cup in his successful stint at Carrow Road.

'It can easily turn into a really tough season, as it has for Hull and Sunderland, who were also in the top flight last year.

'Norwich is in a transitional period, because it's very difficult to deal with the fallout of not being in the Premier League.

'It was a long time ago now but I really enjoyed it and my two children were born there.

'It was the club that really gave me a chance. We were playing in the top division at the time and it was great to get the move to what was a very good side.

'It was a very happy time in my career because they gave me the chance to play in the big league.

'I'll always be grateful for that. And it wasn't a bad place to live, either. It's a nice part of the world.'

Bruce views a return to his old club as the start of a defining period, particularly after automatic promotion rivals Cardiff slipped up 1-0 on Friday night to champions-elect Wolves.

'It's a defining week, which comes straight after three other games we've played,' he said.

'We've spoken about it many, many times. That's the Championship and how difficult it is.

'It does become an endurance test. It won't be easy, but we'll see where we are in a week's time.'