I THOUGHT the selection of fans' letters in Wednesday's Evening Press was excellent. They all had different points to make and made them very well.

That includes the very good and detailed analysis of Robert Beaumont's view of the current state of affairs at Bootham Crescent.

What a pity that he singled out Paul Atkin from past players to make a direct criticism of his playing ability. Robert might argue that it was said tongue in cheek and was actually capable of being read in such a way as to not be critical. However, I think it was unfair, unkind and unjustified.

Paul was a loyal servant of the club for a number of years. He was a first team regular and captain for a spell in an era when I venture to suggest we were rather more successful than we are at present (Wembley 1993 and all that). I believe he was also a product of the FA's School of Excellence at Lilleshall.

That kind of talent does not suddenly disappear. There would have been many others higher on my list if I were seeking to make unkind comparisons.

Like many others, and in particular Andy MacMillan springs to mind, Paul is living proof of what a precarious occupation being a professional footballer is.

I hope I have not been excessively critical or sensitive, but I, and, I am sure, Paul Atkin would not wish Robert Beaumont's word to be the last about him.

Peter Stevens,

St Nicholas Croft,

Askham Bryan,

Yor