Southend United's loyal supporters have helped the club bank more than £250,000 by snapping up season tickets for the new campaign.

Blues have revealed that 1,183 fans have bought season passes in the hope of cheering on their favourites to Third Division glory this year.

Roots Hall ticket office manager Lesley Vincent thanked the supporters for financially backing the Shrimpers.

"Season ticket sales are very important to any football club," she said. "We value all of our supporters highly, but unlike with the casual fan, season ticket purchases put money in the bank over the summer.

"During the close season we don't receive revenue from staging matches at Roots Hall and we are grateful to the people who have bought season tickets from the club."

Lesley revealed that many Blues fans were approaching the new season with renewed optimism.

"The general feeling among the supporters we have seen is that we are going to have a good year," she added.

Admission prices have also been announced for Blues' two Roots Hall pre-season games, with tickets now on general sale.

Southend face Premiership Leicester City on home turf next Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Prices are: East and West - £12 adults, £6 concessions; South upper - £12; South lower - £9 adults, £4 concessions; West family enclosure - £10 adults and £2 children.

First Division Gillingham visit Roots Hall on Wednesday, August 1, 7.45pm start. The West stand will be closed for this game and the prices are: East and South upper - £8 adults, £4 concessions; South lower - £6 adults and £2 concessions.

Season ticket holders are also reminded they are not entitled to free entry for both of these matches.

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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