Russell Martin still gets a buzz when he recalls one of the best days of his Norwich City career.

The Canaries exited the Championship in fine style at Wembley but the last brush with the second tier in 2010/11 was also memorable for a promotion surge typified by a thrilling 3-2 Easter Monday win against Derby that season.

Simeon Jackson struck a stoppage time winner that triggered a huge explosion of noise Martin can remember to this day, as Carrow Road gears up for its 80th anniversary celebration dinner marking the first competitive game at the stadium against West Ham.

'The atmosphere was something else. Even thinking about it now you get goosebumps,' he said. 'That was huge, unbelievable. That still to this day was one of the best atmospheres I have played in, regardless of size of crowd. That was really, really good. I remember being surprised when I first signed and Paul Lambert showed me around the stadium. I had never played or been here, I had seen it on the television, but it feels like a proper football ground and people in football know what I mean by that.

'It is a traditional football ground, not one of those soulless bowls that seem to go up around the country. It's a proper football stadium. Derby at home is the one that sticks in my mind. Maybe when we beat Manchester United at home in the first Premier League season as well.'

Martin is poised to lead his side out against Crystal Palace on August 8 at the start of an historic season for the club at their Carrow Road home.

'I am genuinely looking forward to it,' he said. 'It's a sell-out but we were selling out in League One when I first came here so that is no huge surprise. I didn't realise when I first came here what it means to the community. It is a community football club. If you walk around the town you don't see children wearing Manchester United or City or Liverpool shirts, they are wearing Norwich shirts and I have not seen that in too many places.

'Even after Wembley the amount who were disappointed not to get tickets and the amount I have seen personally since who said I couldn't make it but we were watching and supporting the lads; this club means so much to so many people.'

Martin, along with Alex Neil and City's first team squad will attend a pre-season dinner on July 29 to mark the landmark the night after a friendly against the Hammers to celebrate the original fixture back in August 31, 1935.

Norwich triumphed in the original fixture, winning 4-3 in a Second Division clash watched by a crowd just under 30,000.

Tickets for the dinner are still available, priced £79 per person, for a three-course meal designed by majority shareholder Delia Smith and prepared by her team of chefs.

There will also be a pre-drinks reception on the night in the Top of the Terrace restaurant. The event is for over 18s only.

For further information and to book tickets visit the club's official site or ring 01603 218704