SOUTHEND United have set their sights on stopping the slump in attendances at Roots Hall.

Last year’s average crowd at Blues’ home games dropped to 5,034, almost 1,000 less than the season before.

And the club’s chief Steve Kavanagh has revealed they are now looking at ways to build the crowds back up once again.

“Attendances dropped at most clubs across the country last season but obviously for ours to drop in the way it did is a concern and something we will be working towards sorting out,” said Kavanagh.

“We’ve seen what other clubs have done with football for a fiver and offers where supporters can pay whatever they want to attend for one-off matches and that’s something we could look at.

“But I’m also very mindful of the fact we have our season card holders to remain loyal to, however I would hope they would understand that whatever we try to do will be to the benefit of the club.

“That will certainly include trying to increase the numbers involved in the Future Blues scheme and we’re looking to get that up from 250 to around 1,000 next season.”

But despite those plans, season card sales are currently 10 per cent down on this stage last summer.

And Kavanagh knows improved home results will have a bigger impact on attendances.

“Being honest the home results we had last season just weren’t good enough,” said Kavanagh.

“On our away results we were fourth in the table but on our home games we were second from bottom.

“We won six times at Roots Hall in the league all season and it’s something we have to improve.

“I’m sure that will boost the crowds and we’re in the process of putting together a squad we believe will be able to get better results and challenge for promotion next year.”

But Kavanagh was also keen to stress that the supporters have an important part to play in the push for success.

“In League Two what you can spend is linked to your turnover, so it’s imperative the fans continue to back us,” said Kavanagh.

“We want them to bring along their friends and family just like they did for the JPT final at Wembley and we will be looking at the entertainment we put on before the game and at half-time to ensure we offer value for money.”