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Surman signs new Norwich contract

Andrew Surman has been rewarded for an excellent season with Norwich by a new contract © Getty Images

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Norwich midfielder Andrew Surman has signed a new three-year contract with the club after playing an important role as they finished 12th on their return to the Premier League.

Surman, 25, scored five goals in all competitions last season, including important strikes in league wins against West Brom and Bolton.

The South Africa-born player said he was looking forward to the challenges ahead at Carrow Road, telling the club's official website: "It's an honour for me to sign another contract at Norwich City.

"I've really enjoyed my time here and I'm looking forward to another three years at the club. It has been amazing. Everyone keeps talking about these last three years, winning two promotions and then staying in the Premier League."

Surman joined Norwich from Wolves in June 2010 as the Canaries prepared for life back in the Championship under Paul Lambert after promotion from League One, going on to make 22 appearances despite problems with knee injuries as promotion was secured.

Lambert left the club to move to Aston Villa at the end of last season, and Surman said he was looking forward to working with his replacement, Chris Hughton.

"He's a football man and a good man manager, too," he said. "It's going to be an exciting time next season. Everyone has a point to prove whenever a new manager comes into a club. You've got to keep proving yourself, and that's what's going to happen this season."

Hughton said he was delighted Surman had agreed the new deal, adding: "Since joining from Wolves he has continued to improve. It's a deal that is well deserved, and hopefully he can pick up where he left off when we get back for pre-season."

The announcement of Surman's new deal came a day after Norwich stalwart Adam Drury said he was leaving Carrow Road after 11 years to move to Leeds United. Left-back Drury joined from Peterborough in 2001 and went on to make 361 Norwich appearances, scoring four times.

The 33-year-old's Canaries career saw him play in three different divisions, and a testimonial match, against Celtic at Carrow Road, was held soon after the end of last season.

"The club have always been brilliant to me, and I'd like to think I've done alright for the club in return," he told the official site. "I've had 11 great years - but it had to come to an end at some point, and I'm happy to be leaving the club in a healthy position in the Premier League."

Leeds manager Neil Warnock said: "There have been a few times when I've wanted to kick him over the years. We've always had a rapport when my teams have played against him, and I think he knows I've always respected him.

"I tried to sign him at Sheffield United a few years back. It wasn't to be, but I've kept my eye on him ever since. He'll love it here. You can't play with fear at Elland Road, and I think Adam will enjoy that part."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.