SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin is offering fans free travel and discounted tickets for Saturday’s crunch clash at Shrewsbury Town.

Blues go into the game sitting seventh in the League One table - a point behind the play-offs - with two matches to go.

And Martin hopes the initiative will result in the Shrimpers having a huge away following at Greenhous Meadow.

“The supporters have been fantastic this year and this is my way of repaying some of that loyalty,” said Martin.

“We all want the club to succeed and the more support we can take to Shrewsbury the greater opportunity there is of that happening.

“There is no doubt the team spirit is lifted by the crowd and winning on Saturday is critical to keep our promotion hopes alive.”

The coaches are being run by SBC Leisure and discounted tickets are also available for Blues’ fans.

Adult tickets are available for £10, while disabled fans and those aged 65 and over can gain entry for £7.50.

Fans who are 21-years-old or younger or those who are a student can watch the game for free.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is hoping as many fans as possible take advantage of the offer.

“The fans have been fantastic all season, especially away from home, and it would be great to have another army of support right behind us at the weekend,” said Brown.

“The challenge facing us all at the moment is to take our play-off hopes into the final game of the season and that’s what we must achieve.”

Anyone wanting to take advantage of the offer should contact the Blues ticket office in person or by calling 08444 770077 from 10am tomorrow morning.

The coaches will depart Roots Hall at 8.30am on Saturday.