It will cost Oxford United fans more to watch their promotion-winning team next season,with the club increasing matchday prices for the first time in five years.

And chairman Kelvin Thomas is urging supporters to continue their fantastic backing by buying a season ticket ahead of next season’s return to League Two.

Chris Wilder’s team secured promotion following a thrilling 3-1 victory against York in the Blue Square Premier play-off final at Wembley in front of 35,000 U’s fans and club are hopeful the numbers will top the 3,000 season ticket-holders they currently boast.

“Wembley was a fantastic experience for us all and having achieved promotion, it is vital that we build on that in our first season back in the League,” said Thomas.

“We will give it our best shot and the more supporters who buy their season tickets the greater that chance becomes.

“Every season ticket helps financially, but also means one more fan there to get behind the team each week.

“A season ticket means you save money in the long term, but just as importantly, you get to share the excitement every single game.”

The increase in matchday prices means adult fans in the Oxford Mail stand will pay £15 in advance, an increase of £1 on last season’s prices. Buying them on the day will cost £17.50, up £1.50 on last season.

As usual, there are a number of discount scheme available.

For example, fans buying an adult season ticket in the Oxford Mail stand before June 4 can save themselves almost £150 on the matchday price over the campaign.

Prices for under 16s are frozen at £30 in the family area.

There is also a new online system which will allow supporters to book particular seats for matches, while an ‘early bird’ price, heavily discounted on the full price, is available until June 4.

For more details telephone 01865 337533, visit www.oufctickets.co.uk, or call in at the ticket office.

Existing season ticket-holders have their existing seat reserved until July 3.