COLCHESTER United's innovative decision to give fans the chance to have their cut-outs at future games is a 'great move' by the club.

That is the view of Colchester United Supporters Association chairman Jon Burns, who believes it is a positive venture by the U's ahead of their behind closed doors games.

Colchester will give fans the chance to have cut-outs of their faces secured to a seat, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The cut-outs will be available at a price of £25, once details of the U's proposed League Two play-offs semi-final against Exeter City are confirmed.

The U's could continue the innovation next season, if games continue to be played without fans in attendance.

Burns said: "If it helps fans get through the games when they're not able to attend, then I think it's a good thing.

"It was first launched by Borussia Mönchengladbach, I think four or five weeks ago.

"If I'm watching German football on TV and there's something different to look at other than bare seats, then why not?

"Some fans will like it and others won't but it'll be nice to have the kind of numbers that Borussia have had.

"But it will bring money into the football club which is important and it's something nice to do.

"In my opinion, it would be great to have a few rows of these cut-outs in the East Stand where the cameras can see them clearly and it's something different."

Colchester have enjoyed an exciting season so far, with John McGreal's side sixth in the League Two table and reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

The U's have been trying to enhance the alliance between the club and their fans and long-standing supporter Burns says that is a positive thing.

"Over the last ten or 12 years, the club have always tried to think of various different ways to engage with the fans," said Burns.

"They've introduced things like the Supporters Bar, the big screen outside and the pizza van and they've all been very well received.

"I'd much rather support a club with a smaller fanbase doing everything they can to engage than a big club just looking for money.

"There's been a real connection and it's been a great season for that - we've had some great games.

"There's a lot of goodwill there and Robbie Cowling have been very open and honest with the fans.

"That goes a long way to increasing the goodwill between the two."