Norwich City chief executive David McNally yesterday appealed to existing season ticket holders to back the club again ahead of this weekend's first renewal deadline for the 2012/13 campaign.

The Canaries' loyal support base has until close of business on Sunday to renew at the most competitive prices for what McNally and the rest of the club's hierarchy hope is another season of Premier League football. Paul Lambert's side can count on another bumper Carrow Road home crowd for this weekend's high-profile test against champions Manchester United – and McNally reiterated that level of support is vital.

'The 'Yellow Army' is the envy of many clubs around the country and the way in which you follow your club, home or away, is an important part of what makes Norwich City truly unique,' McNally told the club's web site. 'Behind the scenes at Carrow Road, we remain committed to doing all we can to support the first team and ensuring we serve our incredible supporters.

'We will never underestimate the support and commitment you give to your football club. The last couple of years have been very successful and great credit should go to Paul, his backroom team and those marvellous players. Now it's time to focus on the future and what happens next, that is what really matters. You truly deserve the best and we will do all we can to ensure we continue to improve the fortunes of your football club.'

City boss Lambert insists the Canaries' support should never be taken for granted.

'It's a huge factor, no doubt about it. I think it's intimidating for other teams that come here, it's so noisy and colourful and the fans are right up close to the pitch so you certainly know they are there,' he said. 'You get a lot of clich�s in football about the fans being the 12th man and so on but I really do believe that here at Norwich they play a big part in it. They help drive the lads on, to get them over that winning line. The fact that so many have bought season tickets is incredible and even more incredible is that they were all coming in the difficult years just before we arrived.

'With a lot of hard work from the lads and the great supporters here I feel we have earned the right to be in the Premier League. We know it's a tough, tough task – the toughest – to stay in there come the end of the season but we'll give it a real go, because this is where you want to be. I know the fans will be right there with us all the way and that means a lot to all of my staff and the players, it really does.'

The club have contacted season ticket holders directly and supporters can renew through the club's usual ticket outlets. The Carrow Road ticket office will be open ahead of kick-off on Sunday and for a short period after the game to personal callers only.