I AM delighted that Rovers have decided to offer the Virtual Matchday internet service, but dismayed that the club feels bound to charge for it.

It flies in the fact of the whole culture of the internet and offends the sensibilities of loyal and distant supporters.

I was a season ticket holder at Ewood until I emigrated to New Zealand 20 years ago. Unable to follow the team's fortunes effectively at this distance, my interest was on hold -- until the internet arrived and made the world a smaller place.

For nine months of the year I listen to Rovers games live on the internet, using Real Audio, at either 2am or 4am depending on the daylight savings (BST) situation.

Now Blackburn Rovers are proposing to charge internet supporters for this 'privilege' that is free-to-air in Blackburn.

A two hour telephone call to a friend in Blackburn to listen to the match on Radio Rovers would cost me around £3 -- far less than the cost of a Virtual Matchday ticket. And I'm further from Ewood than any Rovers supporter on earth. The club seems more intent on cashing in on the internet than it is on recruiting and retaining a worldwide support base. This is a very short-sighted strategy for a self-styled 'ambitious' club. Surely there is far more to be gained from winning new supporters around the globe (increased merchandise sales and supporters club memberships).

Think again Rovers. In the meantime, I'll be back to listening to matches on the opposition team's real audio feed.

GORDON CHAMLEY, Upper Hutt, New Zealand

FOOTNOTE: We want to be at the forefront of football coverage on the internet. For that to happen, it will come at a price.

But we are not trying to charge people in order to make a profit, we are doing that to cover the costs. We are asking fans to pay £99 for a virtual season ticket which will cover all 46 league games, home and away, plus the Worthington Cup games against Rochdale.

For their money, they will get live commentary from all Rovers matches by a Rovers commentator plus access to Radio Rovers. And they can also download copies of Rovertime. To provide such services does cost money but I think we have packaged up an incredible offer for less than £2 per game. We are always willing, however, to continue dialogue with fans should they feel agrieved.

JIM QUICK, Head of Communications at Blackburn Rovers