Watching the U's in the second division will cost fans up to 33 per cent more next season.

But the move has been welcomed by fans hungry for success next season. John Burns, vice chairman of Colchester United Supporters Association said: "Everyone I have spoken is happy with the increase.

"We expected a rise and £9 for a seat is not unreasonable. Colchester is still one of the cheapest grounds around so I don't expect people will be put off by the small increase.

"I'm sure a fair percentage of the money will be given to Mick Wadsworth for new players or to improve the contracts of those players he wants to keep.

"We have had good gates this season so I hope those people that came this year as it was cheap will still come next season."

Admission prices have not been increased for the past three years but U's managing director Stephen Gage believes they had to go up this season.

He said: "We have put adult prices up £2 across the board but tried to keep concessions as low as possible. Basically we are trying to get those that can afford more to pay more.

"For the past three seasons the club has been able to avoid increasing prices by maintaining tight control on expenditure and increasing commercial turnover.

"It is now necessary to raise prices across the board so we can keep pace, not only with inflation, but our rivals on the pitch."

The biggest percentage increase is for a family terrace ticket which has now gone up from £6 to £8 or £160 for the season if bought after June 11, which represents a 33 per cent rise.

A season ticket for the main stand will now cost £225 if bought after June 11 or £195 before that date.

Ticket details are available from Sonya or Stella, at the U's ticket office on 01206 508802

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