Marie gets ready for move

7:15am Tuesday 20th May 2008

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Colchester United chief executive Marie Partner has admitted that the club's forthcoming move to the Community Stadium will be a big transition'.

The U's will begin their departure from Layer Road in the coming weeks, in readiness for their switch to Cuckoo Farm.

Supporters are adjusting to the idea of watching their team play their home games at a different venue.

Facilities at the new 10,000 all-seater venue will ensure a better all-round matchday experience for Colchester fans.

And Partner said the club will do all it can to ensure that the move will be as smooth as possible - particularly for those who had previously cheered their team on from the terraces.

She told the Gazette: "Although there has been a level of optimism and excitement about the new stadium, some people have been coming to Layer Road for years.

"We're trying to make them feel as comfortable as possible at the new stadium and we're trying our best to make sure we capture the Layer Road atmosphere.

"But moving from a 1937 building to a brand new all-seater stadium is a big transition.

"One of the issues we've had to face is that it has been very difficult for people to make the transition from standing for so many years and then having to sit.

"But we have tried to be as fair as possible in recognising the gap."

The U's have so far been encouraged' by season ticket sales for next season.

Their decision to revise their prices to watch the team play at the new venue has been welcomed by fans.

Existing season ticket holders have until the end of the month to receive a 15 per cent discount on their seat.

And those wishing to purchase a season ticket for the first time will also receive a discount, providing they purchase their ticket before May 31.

"The revised ticket prices have been very gratefully received," said Partner.

"We've had a good response so far but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating in the hope we have encouraged everyone to buy a season ticket."

The U's are on the verge of agreeing a ten-year contract for the naming rights of the Community Stadium.

Partner said: "There has been a huge amount of work done behind the scenes and I'm hopeful that we will be about to release some information soon. We have a lot of new and existing sponsors and businesses who look at us moving to the new stadium as a whole new exciting venture.

"It's clear that they have the same aspirations as we have and we have more options now for them to benefit commercially."