AT a time when York City manager Terry Dolan is coming increasingly under fire I would like to make the following comments.

Whatever is said about the performances of the team, the fact is, had we won one of the games we have lost we would now be seventh in the table, and in a play-off position. At the same time we are only five points off the bottom which shows how tight the division is.

Since Terry Dolan has come to the club there has been a large turnover of players and the present squad is perhaps too lightweight but City are running on a very tight budget. Injuries to key players have meant youngsters being blooded probably a bit too early but with experience they can only improve.

Last season our attack was lamentable but the shrewd signing of Lee Nogan, and now the welcome long-term loan of Michael Proctor is to be applauded.

Given the right service these two can be every bit as successful as Jimmy Seal and Chris Jones in the 1970s.

We lack an experienced midfield play-maker. I feel Lee Bullock will one day be an accomplished player but at the moment he lacks pace. We need someone to make things happen, a Lee Bowyer or Roy Keane-type of player someone to 'run the show'.

A commanding centre half is also a must, our defence lacks leadership. It is such a great pity that Peter Swan was injured and had to retire from professional football.

We currently have some really good players from 'super' Alan Fettis right through the team. The recent return of Darren Edmondson and Graham Potter is particularly pleasing. It is very satisfying to note the good form this season of Potter who was often picked out last year by the 'boo boys'.

I believe with the addition of a creative midfielder and a commanding centre half this team has every chance of making the play-offs.

I am not completely 100 per cent behind all manager Terry Dolan's decision but I am totally 100 per cent behind the team.

Let us not be negative but let us get behind the lads on the pitch, give them 100 per cent encouragement and with luck with injuries we can make the play offs.

Mike Tiplady,

Walnut Close,

Haxby,

York

Updated: 11:45 Saturday, November 03, 2001