A Canary singing the Posh praises

ONE of the finest homegrown talents in Posh history is honoured by a testimonial match tonight.

Adam Drury’s Norwich City take on Celtic at Carrow Road as The Canaries pay tribute to 11 years of service from their gifted, and loyal, left-back.

Drury is grateful to Norwich, but he’s also been singing the praises of Posh for getting a 539-game career under way. The manager who awarded Drury his first professional contract will be one of the guests of honour tonight.

“Barry Fry is coming,” Drury revealed. “He gave me my first pro deal and to be fair to Baz he was always good to me.

“I’d always wanted to be a professional footballer so I will always be grateful to Posh for setting me on my way.

“It was special for me having come through the youth team to play so many first-team games and we had some success as well.

“Winning the play-off final against Darlington at Wembley was a career highlight. I’ve enjoyed some great times at Norwich as well, but you always remember the first promotion.

“I’m a Posh fan to be fair. I wouldn’t think there is anyone at the club from my time there now, but I’m always happy when they do well.

“Earlier this season we even had an ex-posh back four (Drury, Russell Martin, Elliott Ward, Ryan Bennett) for a Premier League game at Norwich.

“Russell is a top, top bloke, while Ryan Bennett has been quiet, but he’s clearly a very good player.

“I know how tough the Championship is from my time with Norwich. There are some huge clubs involved so for Posh to survive pretty comfortably is a great achievement and I hope they kick on next season.”

Drury made his Posh debut as a 17 year-old substitute in a 4-0 defeat at Oxford on the final day of the 1995-96 League Two season.

Fry replaced Mick Halsall as firstteam boss that summer and Drury started a Posh game for the first time two months later.

Drury went on to play 168 times for Posh, scoring twice, before moving to Norwich in March 2001 for fee reported at the time to be £325,000.

And what a move it turned out to be.

“I’ve played in three divisions for Norwich, won three promotions and twice gone up to the Premier League with them,” Drury added.

“It’s proved to be a great move for me. I’ve been here for 11 years and there’s rarely been a dull moment.

“Three seasons ago I played as we lost our first game of the season 7-1 at home to Colchester and it’s incredible to think that two seasons later we were back in the Premier League.

“I was happy to be involved this season as much as I was (he made 16 appearances). It’s been a great season for the whole club.

“We stayed up easily and we did it playing good football. It’s a pleasure to be around the place and I’m sure my testimonial will be another great night.

“I’ve had opportunities to leave in the past, but the family are settled in the area and I’m glad I stayed. I love the place.

“Not many players stay long enough at the same club to qualify for testimonials so I’m proud to get one.

“I’m actually out of contract now, but I’m not due to talk to the manager about the future until after tonight’s match.”