'Dolan must go' to halt freefall

Even Radio York's Barry Parker, who normally sees City through rose-tinted spectacles, is beginning to despair - and no wonder.

To quote Parker: "It was a bitterly disappointing performance. York started badly and then fell away."

It is now obvious that manager Terry Dolan has completely lost the plot.

The appalling performance against Darlington last week, which was well described in Oliver Douglas's letter to the Evening Press of January 11, clearly warranted a shake-up - and what do we get? Mark Sertori playing up front.

The woeful Sertori is poor enough at the back for City (he makes Paul Atkin look like Alan Hansen), but he's even more of a liability up front.

What's he doing playing ahead of James Turley? Or even McNiven, for that matter?

There are other questions that need to be asked.

Why does Dolan persist in five at the back when it clearly doesn't suit York's style of play? Is it wise to play without any wingers? Why was Mathie substituted instead of Sertori? What was Fox doing on the bench?

Dolan must go - now.

He's had more than enough time to prove himself and all he's done is challenge Wilf McGuinness, Kevin Randall, Bobby Saxton and Neil Thompson for the title of York City's worst-ever manager.

He appears to delight in taking the most perverse decisions that then (surprise, surprise) prove to be utterly disastrous.

I also dislike his habit of always blaming the players for City's shortcomings, when his tactics, team selection and motivation are the root cause of the team's dreadful performances.

Chairman Douglas Craig should, for once, listen to the fans.

Does Mr Craig think that fourth from bottom of the Third Division (we are now below Halifax) is an acceptable position to be in?

Do us all a favour, Mr Dolan, and leave before it's too late.

It would be a tragedy if our once-proud club continued its freefall into the Conference.

Robert Beaumont,

Park House,

Whixley,

near York.

Updated: 12:16 Wednesday, January 17, 2001