SOUTHEND United have sold 3,600 season cards for the forthcoming 2017/18 campaign.

The total is already more than last season.

And the club’s head of marketing Rhys Ellingham is now keen to push towards the 4,000 barrier.

“We’re currently at 3,600 season card sales and last season we had 3,440,” said Ellingham.

“At Southend United, we believe we offer affordable family football and new for this season we have reduced our young adult category to only £150, which has been well received with the fans.

“After surpassing last season’s figures already we are hoping to push closer to 4,000 this season.

“There seems to be a feel-good factor around the club at the moment.

“And with the new season fast approaching we look forward to welcoming everyone to Roots Hall on the August 5th against Blackburn Rovers.”

Blues just missed out on making the League One play-off places last season and are keen on securing a top six finish this time around.

The Shrimpers will report back in for the start of pre-season training this Friday but manager Phil Brown is still looking to strengthen his squad.

The Blues boss is keen on signing a centre-back currently with a Scottish Premiership side plus former loanee Stephen Hendrie following his release from West Ham United.

Southend are also believed to be in talks with two midfield targets as they bid to push for promotion into the Championship.

>Anyone interested in buying a season card for the 2017/18 season campaign should visit ticketing.southend-united.co.uk, call 08444 770077 or visit Blues’ ticket office at Roots Hall.