I HAVE received a few letters from Blackburn Rovers - the latest one signed by "Jack" himself - asking why I have not renewed my season ticket.

Firstly, value for money. I thought it was a bit unreal to ask us to renew at the same price when the superstars had left the club and we we are now facing the likes of Stockport County.

I am also a member of the Lancashire County Cricket Club at Old Trafford where, for a quarter of the price of a Blackburn season ticket, I can make use of the pavilion facilities and receive a car parking permit next to the ground while enjoying many days cricket, including the early cup rounds.

To enjoy similar facilities at the Rovers would have meant joining the expensive 500 Club.

I was a season ticket holder of the Jack Walker stand where I paid extra in order to enjoy fresh air - it being a non-smoking stand.

However, the main reason I did not renew my season ticket is that I was sick and tired of listening to the tirade of vile abuse bawled at the opposition by the yobs in the stand.

It was most embarrassing to see men out with their wives and young children cringeing in their seats, listening to the vilest words in the English language, being afraid to confront these disgusting people, while the stewards looked on benignly.

On big match days at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, the smart and very effective stewards deal quickly with any miscreants, who soon find themselves outside the ground. So the answer, as far as I am concerned, is in your hands Mr Walker. I suggest that the Rovers take advice from Old Trafford about how to police a ground. Until then, I have better ways of spending my Saturday afternoons.

STUART HOLBROOK, New Hall Cottage, Read, near Burnley.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.