ONLY spectators or fans of teams who have lost their Football League status can fully understand the loss suffered by the town in such circumstances.

Some 40 years ago Accrington Stanley folded, owing what now seems to be a laughable amount of money to creditors. One week's wage for a present-day Premier League player could have made them solvent. Now it is a long, long road to regain their former league status.

The news that the Sale Sharks rugby team may share Gigg Lane with Bury FC, bringing with them many spectators and other initiatives, can only be viewed as a welcome move to keep the Shakers' flag flying.

Don't let the soccer club die; it may never return.

K. SOWERBUTTS