Huge cash savings are on offer to Southend United fans who take advantage of a special season ticket offer within the next few weeks, Roots Hall chiefs announced today.

Blues supporters purchasing a season ticket before Saturday, June 19, will not only be quids in on their season ticket price, but will also be entitled to 25 per cent discount on all club merchandise next year.

The Third Division club had originally only planned to allow fans to buy season tickets for next term at a reduced rate if they were bought before last weekend's cut-off date.

However, Seasiders chairman John Main has decided to extend the offer, following an impressive influx of sales which has seen nearly 1,000 eager Shrimpers fans snap up new season tickets.

"This is a wonderful response from our supporters which shows they believe in what we are trying to achieve here and I feel they should be rewarded for this act of faith," said the Shrimpers supremo.

"Season tickets will continue to be sold at the reduced rate for another two weeks and will also allow fans to make huge savings on scarves, shirts and other merchandise in the club shop.

"Any supporter who buys a season ticket before the new reduction deadline will receive a voucher that will allow them to make savings on any purchases they make from the club shop for the rest of the season.

"Our fans have had to put up with so much heartache during the past few seasons - including two relegations and this year's fight to beat the drop into the Conference League - and this is our way of saying thankyou for staying with us."

John Maine - pleased with early season ticket sales

Southend United season ticket prices 1999/2000

Before Saturday, June 19

West Stand (Blocks A, B, C, D and E): Adult £195, Junior £40, Senior Citizen £80, Junior (no adult) £80.

East Stand: Adult (yellow, red and green seats) £225, Senior Citizen (green only) £160

South Stand Upper: Adult £195.

After Saturday, June 19

West Stand (Blocks A, B, C, D and E): Adult £215, Junior £100, Senior Citizen £100.

East Stand: Adult (yellow, red and green seats) £255, Senior Citizen (green only) £180

South Stand Upper: Adult £215.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.