Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling is hopeful Community Stadium crowds will continue to grow next season.

Attendances at the U’s were up for a third successive year last season, despite their woeful home form.

Some Colchester supporters have criticised the 10,000-seater venue and ticket prices over the past 12 months.

However, the number of people watching Colchester’s home games is still on the rise.

The amount of spectators passing through the turnstiles broke the 5,000 average for the third season running.

And crowds were up by 30 per cent on the 2005-06 season – the last time the U’s were in League One.

Cowling said he hopes the average will be even bigger this time next year.

He told the Gazette: “I think we averaged crowds of around 5,100 this season.

“Considering everything, that was very good.

“The new stadium does come under a bit of criticism.

“We’re hopeful on season ticket sales.

“But times are tough and people want to see their team play well.

“It will always be difficult because when the stadium doesn’t fill up, people can just take the chance of turning up on the day.”