Chris Hughton is refreshed and raring to lead Norwich's latest assault on the Premier League.

The experienced City chief had to endure some tense times over the closing weeks of last season before guiding the Canaries to an impressive mid-table finish in his debut season at the helm.

Hughton opted to head to Mexico for a family summer break to unwind and prepare for the inevitable fresh highs and lows that come with operating at the top of his profession.

'If we didn't enjoy it as managers we wouldn't put ourselves in this position. There is a lot of pressure and stress but the reason why you are here because it is a challenge. I'm in decent shape physically and I am looking forward to it,' he said. 'It's difficult to keep your emotions in check when you are on that touchline and the emotions are being churned up.

'When you have been in the game as long as I have, you understand the supporters and when things are not going well you don't expect pats on the back.

'When things are going well our support is second to none and the support here has been excellent. We'll need that again. Carrow Road is not Old Trafford or an Emirates with 60,000, but we do have very passionate support and it is important for us.'

City's survival last season and the influx of fresh broadcast revenue has also ensured the club is in the rudest of financial health.

'I was delighted for the board because this is the place where we want to be,' said Hughton. 'I have only been here a year but I was made aware of what they have been through in previous seasons and of course I have played just a small part in it. To stay here (in the Premier League) we have to improve and try to continue good things we did last season and learn from what we didn't do well. Fortunately for us we have had two good seasons since we got back. We need the same mentality, but we have no targets other than to finish the highest we can.'