COLCHESTER United manager John Ward may be working on a reduced transfer budget but the sensible financial plan the club is now working to has enabled them to reward supporters with a freeze on ticket prices for next season.

Earlier this week Suffolk neighbours Ipswich Town announced they are passing on the rising costs of rent, electricity, water and policing bills – as well as this year’s increase in VAT – to their supporters. The cost of a season ticket at Portman Road has gone up 6% for adults – roughly �1 to �1.50 a game.

Colchester, however, have again been able to avoid passing on such rises to their supporters.

Today’s announcement see a freeze on prices across the board at The Weston Homes Community Stadium next season. What’s more, existing season ticket holders will be offered a further saving of 5% if they renew their seat early for the fourth season at the club’s new stadium.

Once again all those buying a season ticket at the Essex club will be given a voucher book which could potentially get them get back their entire outlay in savings at various local businesses.

Executive chairman Robbie Cowling said: “I know how tough things have been financially in the past twelve months, and I am truly grateful that many of our fans are choosing to spend the little discretionary funds they do have available on supporting the U’s.

“The revenue we receive from season tickets is so important to the club. Not least because we receive the funds at a time when we are not playing games and do not have many other sources of revenue. This also coincides with a time when amongst other things we are trying to bring in new players to strengthen our squad.”

The price freeze means that adults renewing their season tickets can continue to watch the U’s in action from less than �15 a game.

And with a range of family prices, children can watch the U’s from just �1 at many matches and a family of four with season tickets can come to a match from under �38 a game.

What’s more, with a finance plan allowing fans to pay for their season ticket in monthly instalments, there is plenty of opportunity to spread the cost in these difficult economic times.

Cowling added: “I remain determined to provide better value to our fans and especially to those who are prepared to commit to supporting the club by purchasing a season ticket.

“Of course it has not previously been the case that everyone who wanted to could afford to make that level of financial commitment and that has been a problem that we have worked really hard to resolve.

“I now believe that by introducing a really affordable payment plan alongside our quarter, half and full season tickets we have allowed everyone who is planning on attending a series of games at The Weston Homes Community Stadium to commit to doing so and more cost effectively than ever before.”