Cowling is hoping to fund a promotion push at Colchester

Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling has vowed to never leave the club in a poor financial state.

Cowling took total control of the U's in February 2009, three years after buying a majority shareholding.

And the businessman, who subsidises the club's losses, told fans on a BBC Essex phone-in he is committed to the club.

"I certainly would not leave Colchester in any worse state than what I found it if I did move on anywhere, not that I've got any plans to do so," he said.

"I do what I feel comfortable with doing and no more and I am comfortable with the progress we've made.

"The club has been dependant on me ever since I took over to the level I'm willing to back it and I don't go any further than that."

Cowling was also forced to defend the club's ticketing policy, with the U's attracting an average attendance of 4,221 this season.

It is a figure that leaves the Community Stadium with the fifth lowest average crowd in League One.

"It's clear that I'm probably subsidising each person that attends the club at this moment in time," said Cowling.

"But I also believe the ticket prices we've got are fair.

"I think we put on something that is excellent, I think we've got a good bunch of professionals.

"And I thin it's a great day out and good value for money compared to other things that are similar."

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