SOUTHEND United are busily preparing for next season - and two lucky Echosport readers will watch every kick live at Roots Hall.

We have teamed up with the club to offer our readers the chance to win two season cards in the family enclosure for the forthcoming 2018/19 campaign.

Close to 3,000 season cards have already been sold for the season ahead.

But Blues’ media and marketing manager Matt Mundy is keen for even more fans to snap up their seats as Chris Powell’s side bid to build on their promising end to the previous season.

“A Southend United season card is an essential, must-have for the most cost-effective way for Blues supporters to watch their team,” said Mundy.

“Once again we have frozen the prices to ensure football at Roots Hall remains affordable and, with that in mind, we are hoping to surpass last season’s figure of season card holders.

“Our young adult category for 17 to 22-year-olds priced at £150, averaging £6.50 per game, provides excellent value for money for the next generation of Southend United supporters, as well as the price for 9-16-year-olds of £85.

“As well as a guaranteed seat for every home league game there are some great added benefits such as cup and away game priority and 10 per cent off hospitality bookings.”

Fans wishing to get a season card are also able to spread payments across 10 months.

And the club remain hopeful that supporters will be treated to a fine season with Powell in charge.

“Heading into the first full season under Chris Powell there is a lot of optimism around,” added Mundy.

“Not only is that after an impressive end to last season, doubling the points tally in Chris’18 games in charge and finishing unbeaten in our final four, but with the recent re-signing of our player of the season Mark Oxley and hopefully with one or two others following suit.”

The renewal deadline for season cards is fast approaching before the subsequent swap period begins after Sunday June 17.

But fans are also being encouraged to help get more people to the ground.

“If you want to get a friend or family member along with you, the recommend a friend scheme is also a fantastic way of earning £25 cash and saving £25 for the new season card holder,” said Mundy.

“We want as many people in the ground as possible to create a good atmosphere.”

HOW TO WIN

To be in with a chance of winning the two season cards in the Shrimpers’ family enclosure for the 2018/19 campaign just answer this question: What is the name of Southend United’s home ground?

To enter by phone: Simply call 09011510244 and leave your answer and details when prompted.

To enter by text: Send your text to 80360 starting with KICKOFF leave a space, followed by your answer, name and contact details.

To enter by post: Send your answer, name, email address, contact number and full address to: SUFC Competition, Unit 1 Brunel Court, Brunel Way, Severalls Industrial Estate, Colchester CO4 9XP.

All postal entries must arrive by June 16 2018 to be counted.

Calls cost no more than 51p per call from a BT landline.

Calls from mobiles and some other networks may cost more.

Texts cost 50p plus your normal operator text charge.

Telephone and text lines open 08/06/2018 and close 15/06/2018 at 23:59PM.

Call 0207 998 0549 for help and advice on phone and mobile services. By entering this competition you agree to Newsquest and its employees processing your personal data to the extent required to administer the competition.

This includes the drawing of winners and any subsequent contact. Newsquest will not share your personal data so acquired with any third parties.

For full terms and details visit www.newsquest.co.uk/terms. This service is provided by Newsquest Media Group.