IF PHIL Lloyd's column (LET, April 25) was intended to provoke a reaction, it worked!

He thinks Graeme Souness is already 'getting it wrong'.

Whilst I usually agree with most of his weekly comments, I feel Lloyd is a bit premature with his doubts.

Graeme Souness does not suffer fools gladly as anyone who witnessed his bone- crunching tackling would testify!

Anyone who thinks his heart problems would somehow extinguish his inner fire would be sadly mistaken -- the guy has an inner steel, a will to win and was a tremendous appointment which I have every confidence will result in promotion.

Remember, we paid top wages in the Premiership so moving players on, especially to other First Division clubs, is not going to be easy but his period in charge has been experimental as he gets a feel for the players. He will already know who he doesn't feel is up to the job, and I would presume they'll know too! Mr Lloyd and other people already doubting his abilities should give him some time and 100 per cent backing as he surveys the wreckage of the Hodgson/Kidd eras. He WILL get it right.

Also, Mr Pritchard (Sport Letters, April 26) stated that every Burnley fan 'knows' we are a mediocre, mid-table, average first division team.

Well Mr Pritchard, you may be playing us next season and facing a club with one of finest stadia in Britain, a youth system the envy of most clubs in Britain, 10 full internationals, countless under-21 internationals, two First Division titles, six FA Cups -- the list goes on.

Not bad for a 'mediocre', mid-table, First Divison team!

Will you compete IF you come up? I think not! You will be shown to be a mediocre, mid-table, Second Division team, with an over-inflated self opinion of their standing in English football!

JASON THOMAS, Cherry Tree