The Jarrold Stand at Carrow Road is 10 years old today. DAVID FREEZER takes a look back at an exciting time for Norwich City supporters.

Ten years ago today there was a fresh dose of optimism for Norwich City supporters, as the club's rebuilt South Stand was used for a match for the first time.

On February 21, 2004, the £8million new stand which we now know as the Jarrold Stand was officially opened for a Nationwide League Division One clash against West Ham.

• Video: The fall and rise of Norwich City's South Stand in less than 30 seconds

Former Canaries and Hammers manager Ken Brown was fittingly asked to officially open the much-anticipated new stand – and begin a new chapter in the history of Carrow Road

It was an exciting day for South Stand season-ticket holders, who had been found new seats in the ground's other three stands while the stand was constructed during the 2003/04 season.

City supporters were able to watch the stand take shape throughout that season, when temporarily much-reduced away followings were sat along two rows in front of the building site.

The construction, replacing the original South Stand which had stood at Carrow Road since the Canaries moved from their former home at The Nest in 1935, was well timed.

The glimpse of a bigger and better future being provided by the new stand being built was also being replicated on the pitch.

Nigel Worthington had bolstered his squad with loan stars Darren Huckerby and Peter Crouch, and the duo helped the likes of Robert Green, Malky Mackay and Iwan Roberts to the top of the table at Christmas.

So when the Canaries took on West Ham 10 years ago today, dreams of the Premiership were very much alive for City fans.

The match itself saw Huckerby cancel out a 61st minute goal from Matthew Etherington for the Hammers, scoring in the 76th minute to allow fans sitting in the new stand to experience celebrating a goal in their new seats for the first time.

It turned out to be one of just five games that City didn't win in their final 18 matches, to end up finishing eight points clear of West Brom and wrap up the title and promotion.

The new Premiership-quality facilities had been perfectly timed and would be used for exactly that in the 2004/05 season.

The rest, as they say, is history.

For a look back at the history of the South Stand before it was demolished, see tomorrow's Eastern Daily Press or Norwich Evening News.

Do you have fond memories of the old South Stand? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below or email norfolksport@archant.co.uk