PHIL Lloyd has just confirmed my long-held belief after reading last week's Down by the Riverside.

He is now quite obviously a post-Jack Walker Rovers fan. One of the many thousands of post-Jack Walker Rovers fans.

One of those that isn't at all interested in playing Preston this season or the other team in North East Lancs, you know, the one at the other end of the M65.

One of them that is still convinced that Manchester United and Arsenal fans are rubbing their hands at the prospect of once again playing the Lancashire "giant" in just over 12 months time. After all it's a foregone conclusion that Rovers will get promoted isn't it? The bookies are never wrong are they? And you are still Manchester United's main rivals, aren't you?

One of them that just knows Figo and Del Piero are just waiting to sign when you are crowned as First Division champs.

Last pre-season I dared to walk down Blackpool prom on the day Blackpool entertained Rovers sporting a Burnley shirt. Like you do!

I endured sometimes nasty abuse, mostly good natured banter from pre-Walker Rovers fans who appreciate the tradition and history and will be interested in once again playing ourselves and Preston. Not only interested but excited by the prospects, after all it beats Bradford and Charlton.

So, Mr Lloyd let me just introduce ourselves as I don't recall seeing you in Blackpool. Don't mistake us with West Ham, Villa or Scunthorpe, we are the ones without a shirt sponsor.

GARY STOREY, Kimberley Street, Briercliffe, Burnley.