I HAVE been told at least on a couple of occasions, the most recent being in the matchday programme, that the current York City squad is much stronger than last seasons.

I beg to differ on several points.

The goalkeeping department is very dodgy, City released a sound goalkeeper (Mark Ovendale) while retaining one and hiring (hopefully on short contract) another who offers no confidence to the fans. The nightmare v Hereford by a man who is supposed to be a coaching prospect to younger goalkeepers begs the question of who is hiring and firing and on what grounds?

The supposedly solid defensive foundation is based on two monolithic, centre-backs who have twice been run ragged and sucked out of position by much better teams than us. Surely Chris Smith offered more options and if Chris Brass insists on playing he must put himself at centre-back.

Dave Merris is a much better option at left-back - at least during the Hereford game that error was corrected when he came on as sub.

Insisting on more drive and commitment is no substitution for playing football. We still lump balls up the channels.

If we play 4-4-2 then there has to be some attacking width to supply the front two who need passes to feet.

The crowds are there so far but the club is still running on goodwill. Such dire, aimless performances will soon put the gates below 1,500.

The Chris Brass-Lee Nogan duo is not working. Brass's game has collapsed since becoming manager.

We need to seriously reconsider what is going on here. It is a cheaper squad no doubt but there are no signs of man-for-man improvement as we are told.

Are you ready to step in Alan Little? He was the last manager under whom we played real football.

M Winn

Sears Close,

Godmanchester,

Cambridgshire.

Updated: 10:59 Friday, August 27, 2004