CITY today confirmed that 18,312 Canary fans had signed up for the 2008-09 campaign by last Saturday's first season ticket deadline.

Key facts and figures:

- The first deadline figure of 18,312 is 2,536 higher than last year's first deadline figure of 15,776 and includes 1,009 sales of new season tickets. As new season tickets were not available before first deadline last year, the adjusted figure for comparison purposes on renewals is 17,303 an increase over last year of 9.7%.

- Of the 1,009 new season tickets sold, 498 are in the extended family area and the percentage of new tickets for Under-12s was 23 per cent - against 44 per cent which were sold to adults.

- Season tickets will be capped at 20,000 for the 2008-09 campaign - while the figure sold for the current (2007-08) season was 19,716.

- The number of people using the 12-month Direct Debit scheme was 10,003, representing 55 per cent of sales. Last year the percentage using Direct Debits was 48 per cent.

- The percentage of Under-21s holding a season ticket is 21 per cent, up from 19 per cent, which shows some progress is being made in the efforts to address the issues of an ageing season ticket base.

Director of Sales and Marketing Andrew Cullen told First News: "The number of season tickets sold pre first deadline has exceeded all our expectations and highlights the very special and unique nature of Norwich City supporters.

"There is no doubt that Glenn Roeder and his coaching team have instilled a new sense of purpose and belief amongst players, staff and supporters, which has played a big part in accelerating the number of renewals to a new first deadline level.

"We were very conscious that in the context of a tightening economic situation there would be an impact on supporters' ability to fund season tickets, We were therefore even more determined than ever to reaffirm our commitment to affordable family football. This is reflected by the increased number of people electing to spread their payments using our new 12-month payment plan and through the proportionate increase in Under-21 season ticket holders all part of our long term strategy to address the issue of an ageing season ticket base and safeguard Norwich City Football Club for the future and by the sale of over 1000 new season ticket sales.

"Norwich City is once again well set to record the highest number of season tickets in the Football League and we must thank each and every single one of our 18312 fans who have already signed up for 2008-09 for their belief, resilience and confidence to come back to watch football at Carrow Road next season."