AFTER a superb day on Sunday at the Rovers v Burnley derby, I looked forward to the usual high standard of post-match coverage your paper offers -- as consistent as ever with both teams match reports and views from both sides.

I read both reports and all seemed fine until I read the other constant that appears weekly -- the column from Stephen Cummings.

This man must have broad shoulders, not just to carry the weight after his team's defeat, but for the ever-growing chip that he has there concerning Blackburn Rovers.

His petty comments on the Walkersteel stand and his overused expression about the £100 million that Rovers have spent show that he's little else to offer.

But let's get the facts right, Mr Cummings -- have a look at your own ground. Two stands built in the 1970s, one financed from the sale of Martin Dobson to Everton, and the other by Bob Lord.

If Mr Cummings knew the facts, he could calculate that Rovers haven't a £100 million deficit on players. They did sell a few -- two of whom went for over £10 million.

His big problem is jealousy. He's jealous of Blackburn for having a man who put his money where his mouth was, who loved the club so much to invest in it in a big way. Football is a big-money game these days and to compete at the highest level the majority of clubs have to have the backers with the financial clout.

Others -- and all respect to them -- survive by becoming a selling club.

NEIL M WALSH, Peel Park Avenue, Clitheroe.