IT IS not every year that season tickets at Layer Road are treated like gold dust, but that looks set to be the case next season.Colchester United's chief executive, Marie Partner, revealed that a threshold of around 4,000 season ticket holders would be implemented to coincide with the club's first-ever appearance in the second tier of the Football League.

By Carl Marston

IT IS not every year that season tickets at Layer Road are treated like gold dust, but that looks set to be the case next season.

Colchester United's chief executive, Marie Partner, revealed that a threshold of around 4,000 season ticket holders would be implemented to coincide with the club's first-ever appearance in the second tier of the Football League.

The current capacity at Layer Road is just over 6,000, and with the allocation of 1,200 for away supporters likely to be filled for every home game, that won't leave too many tickets left over for the casual supporter.

Not surprisingly, season ticket prices will rise, following the U's successful promotion to the Championship. The likes of Ipswich, Sunderland, Norwich and West Brom will all be visiting the U's small stadium over the coming months.

Mrs Partner confirmed: “To be able to compete in the Championship, we have had to put the prices up, but we still feel they represent excellent value for money, not least when you consider the calibre of teams we will be playing.

“Demand for our games next season is going to be sky high,” added the U's chief executive.

Existing season ticket holders are able to renew their membership from today onwards, for their existing spot in the ground, and they will have an opportunity to buy an extra ticket early next month.

From Tuesday, May 30, those supporters with 15 or more match credits from the 2005-06 season (league and cup) will be able to join the existing season ticket holders in purchasing a ticket for the next campaign.

The following Monday, June 5, these two groups will be joined by fans with 10 or more match credits. It is at this stage that existing season ticket holders will be able to buy an additional season ticket.

Finally, season tickets will go on general sale from Monday, June 12.

Contact the Layer Road ticket office on 0871 2262161 for further details.

Becoming a season ticket holder before the end of June will guarantee a discount amounting to four free games in the Championship.

Meanwhile, striker Chris Iwelumo, last season's leading marksman with 19 goals, has undergone a knee operation this week. Iwelumo started every league game last term, a terrific record.

Midfielder Neil Danns is set to have a scan on a sore shin, while fellow midfield man Kevin Watson will visit a specialist tomorrow to investigate a suspected hernia.

The U's have also confirmed their first pre-season friendly. They will visit AFC Sudbury on Tuesday, July 18.