A trip to Colchester stirs memories of a remarkable season for Adam Drury.

City’s new loan left back is pushing for his first start against the U’s after a late substitute appearance at Brentford on Saturday.

That part of the country is familiar footballing territory for the 35-year-old, who spent over a decade playing for Norwich.

And it was during his long stint as a Canary that Drury faced Colchester in two games he is not likely to forget – for contrasting reasons.

The 2009-2010 season kicked off with Colchester visiting Carrow Road – and they dished out a 7-1 humiliation that ranks as Norwich’s record home defeat.

Two days later and their manager Paul Lambert had quit the U’s to swap sides. And the following January, he took Norwich back to Essex to dish out a revenge 5-0 hiding on their way to promotion.

“You couldn’t have made it up the way it worked out,” said Drury. “From the opening day to the end of that season, it’s amazing what happened.

“I try to forget about that first game, to be honest. We had a good pre-season but these freak things happen – I put it down to everything they hit went in!

“But then their manager came to us and we got our revenge later in the season. We almost did them on aggregate.

“Hopefully we can get something from there tomorrow. I saw from Saturday the following Bradford take and it’s brilliant to have that backing.”

Drury signed on the eve of the Brentford trip as Phil Parkinson finally managed to nail down a specialist as cover for the injured James Meredith.

Drury added: “It was very sudden and I didn’t think it would happen as quickly as it did. They rang up and inquired and I was quite happy.

“I know a few of the lads and talked to Andy Gray, who spoke very highly of the place. I spoke to the gaffer and couldn’t wait to get to Valley Parade and get involved.

“I haven’t had a look-in at Leeds. I’d had a couple of calf injuries but since Christmas I’ve been totally fit.

“I’ve been back in the squad and on the bench and travelling but not getting involved.”

Drury has not started a game since August and admits it is tough to build up match fitness when you aren’t regularly on the pitch.

“There is nothing like playing in a proper first-team game.

“It’s a bit of a Catch 22. You do all the running in the world but you can’t really create match situations on the training ground.”