Their team is embroiled in a relegation dogfight, but that has not stopped Norwich City's devoted fans from snapping up season tickets in their thousands for next season.

The Canaries travel to West Bromwich Albion today in search of a victory which would yield three vital points in their battle to retain their Premier League status next season.

And they do so in the knowledge that the Yellow Army is so committed to the cause that almost 20,000 have already renewed their season tickets for next season, despite top flight status hanging in the balance.

The third and final deadline for existing customers to renew their tickets is on May 7, but 19,639 non-corporate season ticket holders have already decided they will be heading to Carrow Road next season regardless of whether the Canaries are playing Manchester United and Liverpool or the likes of Preston and Reading.

The club is expecting to sell out again in corporate areas, which means the club will cap total season ticket sales to watch next year's action unfold at 22,000.

David McNally, Norwich City's chief executive, paid tribute to the 'passion and dedication' of the faithful and said they had a 'crucial' role to play in helping steer the Canaries clear of the dreaded drop.

He said: 'Demand for season tickets has been as high as ever as we approach the end of this campaign and look ahead to 2016-17. We have had so many years of superb attendances at Carrow Road that we never take for granted and it remains a fantastic endorsement of the passion and dedication of our supporters.

'And it is an absolutely vital component of our annual financial strategy to support the manager and the players.'

The club had frozen season ticket prices in standard areas, which Mr McNally said was as a 'thank-you' to fans.

He said: 'They have responded by ensuring that Carrow Road, which has had a staggering 99.7pc occupancy rate this year, will be full to the rafters again next season.'

And with crunch clashes against relegation rivals Sunderland and Newcastle to come, along with matches against Manchester United and Watford, Mr McNally said: 'The crucial role our supporters can play in helping the first team will be demonstrated in the four remaining Barclays Premier League games to be played at Carrow Road this season and into the next campaign.'

Make sure you visit www.pinkun.com for coverage of the Canaries' game against West Bromwich Albion.