Colchester United say they are delighted' with the initial demand to watch the U's at the Community Stadium.

The deadline for supporters to buy season tickets at a discounted price expired yesterday.

Applications have been arriving since the end of last season.

But over recent days, the U's have experienced a dramatic increase' in the number of people wanting to claim their seat at the new 10,000, all-seater venue.

Colchester United chief executive Marie Partner told the Gazette: "There has been a steady stream of season ticket applications coming in since the end of the season.

"As we moved towards the deadline date last week, the numbers received daily through the post and by personal application, dramatically increased.

"The club have been delighted with the positive response from both existing season ticket holders and a lot of new people who are keen to get on board to register their preference of where they want to sit in the new stands.

"Considering people are unable to select their actual seat at this stage, there is an air of excitement about the place."