Any Wrather's going to the open evening on Weds'?....

(EEN)

Norwich City fans speak out on the football club's plans

Canary faithful and city folk alike have weighed in on their football club's major revamp plans to improve match day experiences.

Members of the yellow army have described their optimism about the club's strategy to keep the business running but feel the communication over the plans could have been better.

The plans will see a swap of away fans on the South Stand with home supporters in the lower tier of the River End and the addition of a new 'fan zone' for home supporters behind the Barclay End.

Some have called it a "tough balance" while others have called it a "kick in the teeth".

'Communication could have been better'
Darin Hess, 56, who has been a season ticket holder for the last seven years, is one of the supporters who will have to move from his seat at the River End as part of the club's plans.

He said: "I'm disappointed but I understand. The hubs outside are good but I think the communication could have been better and they have not really explained why the away fans have got to go into our seats.

"I just don't know what it all means but I appreciate they had to do it."

His father, Armin, who has supported the club for the last 40 years, said: "It's a small club and no one likes change but you've got to tolerate it."

Gary Scott, 60, said: "The change seems like it will make it harder for the away fans to get to their seats because you've now got to walk them through the home fans."

David Brown, whose dad used to take him to games when he was younger, said: "So many of the fans are so loyal and well supportive of the club and it's just like a kick in the teeth."

Another man, who asked to be known as Adrian, said: "You need the money but it's a tough balance."

'We do get it'
Others say they understand the financial pressures facing football clubs and welcome the club's ambition for change.

Alfie McComb, who runs Dotties on the market and has been backing the Canaries for the last five years, said: "It's fine if they are doing this to improve and I'm sure it's in the best interest of the supporters.

"The club is one of the most family-based, community teams."

What are the plans?
Earlier this week, the club lodged two new planning applications for the South Stand and River End Stand as part of the stadium's transformation.

If they are approved, the South Stand will see a section containing stairs and lifts built adjacent to the existing entrance built as well as two new entrances into the stands.

For the River End - known as the Regency Stand - the proposals show "updated" spaces within the stadium with more kiosks and toilets.

The South Stand and the Regency Stand are key components in the first two phases of the club's four-phase scheme.

The third phase of the redevelopment will see changes to stands so it can offer "bespoke matchday experiences" for home supporters but the club has given few details as to what this would entail.

Plans for a better experience
Officials say the changes will allow the club to improve visits to Carrow Road for all supporters attending home games.

They added the "new and bespoke offerings" will help the club to "further improve the matchday experience for home supporters".

The club will be hosting an open evening on October 15 at Carrow Road's Legends Lounge from 6pm to answer any questions over the changes.

Posted By: DrDublin, Oct 13, 09:04:25