koclokindoblog, 11 Mei 2012, Norwich City hope to finish their season on a high when they play fellow battler Aston Villa in Sunday's final round.The match means little, except it will be a final farewell for Villa striker Emile Heskey, who has confirmed he is leaving the club.
Having experienced early season success, Norwich languished near the relegation zone and only confirmed mathematical safety after Easter.
Goalkeeper John Ruddy admits the relegation battle affected the side mentally.
"Although there was never a question mark over the effort we were putting into the games, the collective performance probably wasn't there as it had been all season, because of different circumstances: in tiredness maybe, the mental strain and just everyone having that weight lifted off their shoulders knowing that you're safe. It does things to people," Ruddy told the Norwich Evening News.
Once top flight football at Carrow Road was achieved, Ruddy said the Canaries played with an open mind.
"Arsenal (3-3 away draw) was very enjoyable; we got another point towards our total and if we can finish on an even bigger high in front of our home fans then that would be brilliant," he said.
Villa striker Heskey will play his last game for the club on Sunday.
The striker has had a frustrating season, returning only one goal in the last 16 months.
His three-and-a-half year contract expires in the summer, and the former England international believes he still has much to offer at the top-flight.
"I haven’t got a club to be honest," Heskey said.
"I'm 34, I still feel I can play so I don't see why I need to retire just now.
"I still want to play at Premier League level."
Heskey will have to reduce substantially his 50,000 pound a week salary, and said this season was one of his hardest.
"Sometimes when you get into a bit of a rut, your head gets down and you can't find yourselves getting out of it," he said.
"We have left it late (surviving relegation) but the lads have been battling on."
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