Southend United chairman John Main today said that Blues already meet the criteria of the latest white paper produced by the Government's Football Task Force.

The soccer watchdog, headed by former Conservative MP and Chelsea fan David Mellor, has just published a new fan-friendly report, which details its vision for the future of football.

Under the Task Force's plans, Premier and Football League sides would have to offer supporters cheaper tickets, change their strips less often and consult fans on any proposed sale of club shares.

"I was interested in the reports findings, but would say we have already addressed many of these matters, which we hope have given our fans a better deal" said Main.

The Task Force's report recommends the establishment of a Football Audit Commission to oversee a detailed Code of Practice, setting minimum standards to be met by clubs in the treatment of their spectators.

On matchday tickets, the Code would require all clubs to stretch the range of prices on offer, so that fans paying the highest prices would subsidise those paying new, lower prices.

The Task Force would also like to see ten per cent of ground capacity allocated to half-priced tickets for the under-16s and those in full-time education.

"This is all very well, but as soon as you give something to somebody cheaper, then another person thinks they are missing out, which can cause problems," Main added.

"As for a section of the ground being selected for cheaper tickets, we already have a thriving family enclosure and do arrange for special discounts with local organisations such as Prospects, who help underprivileged children.

"In fact, any genuine charitable organisation is welcome to contact me and I will be happy to help them in any way I can."

On the merchandise front, the Task Force have asked clubs to consider putting a sell-by-date on the collars of replica jerseys, which would be given a two-year shelf-life, to safeguard supporters from constantly changing strips.

"This is another area in which we believe we have accommodated our fans, who have supported us brilliantly at the shop tills this season," Main continued.

"We gave our season ticket holders a 25 per cent shop discount voucher at the start of the season and as a Christmas present fans can currently take advantage of a further 20 per cent reduction at our club stores."

Main also said his thoughts were with Blues fans regarding shares in the Shrimpers.

"I still want to have a share issue for supporters, which is something I plan to look at further once the planning application for our new stadium has gone in," he said.

Southend's reserves travel to Ryman Premier League Heybridge Swifts in the fourth round of the Essex Senior Cup tonight, kick-off 7.30pm.

However, their Avon Insurance Combination League clash at Barnet yesterday was cancelled because of a water-logged pitch.

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