EXTRA measures are in place ahead of Southend United's final game with former Premier League club Sunderland this Saturday.

The club have said only people who have previously booked tickets for Blues games will be allowed to book tickets for the fixture on Saturday at Roots Hall after discussions between the club and police.

A spokesman for the club said: "Demand for this game is high and to avoid away supporters buying tickets in the home areas, the club have put the following procedure in place to ensure as best as possible that this doesn’t occur.

"As a result, only persons with a booking history will be able to purchase tickets in the home stands.

"If Sunderland supporters are found to be in the home stands they will be escorted out of the ground.

"If you have a purchase history then you can buy tickets online, from the ticket office in person or by calling 08444 770077."

The spokesman added due to the size of Sunderland's fan base, checking home addresses of fans booking tickets would not suffice as a safeguarding measure.

The fixture is a must-win game for the Blues who are battling relegation and are hovering above the relegation zone in 20th place.

The game will kick off at Roots Hall at 5.30pm.