was less than surprised to see the statistics in the Evening Press 'Player Watch' relating to Mark Ovendale.

In the match against Lincoln, kicks to opposition 28 - to own player four. Is there any wonder we lost so badly, when we persist in gifting the opposition possession?

I would like to ask City manager Chris Brass, why have we returned to the long ball game when we were promised a different style?

Unfortunately, he is just as bad as Ovendale, hoofing it forward whenever he gets the ball.

This uncreative strategy is all the more flawed by the fact that they are both usually booting it forward to Lee Nogan, the smallest man on the pitch.

Who is having a word with the bosses? It seems to me that at times we are a shapeless red blob in the middle of the park.

We have an accomplished striker in Nogan, who unfortunately feels the need to be everywhere on the pitch, rather than in position at the front, ready to take on balls from our more than competent midfield.

This situation is made worse by our 'defender without portfolio', Brass, who finds himself out of position - wherever that is supposed to be - time and time again.

So come on City, lets get back to playing football, like we did so well at the start of the season.

In the words of Brass, "It is the only way we will ever progress out of the basement".

Brian Cooke,

Worsendale Road,

Bishop Wilton

Updated: 10:12 Saturday, February 21, 2004