I AGREE with almost everything Neil Bramwell said in his Speaks Out column (LET, November 25).

I also cannot understand the logic in attempting to secure the services of managers like Colin Todd and Dave Bassett to be the new manager of Blackburn Rovers.

It certainly does appear they are attempting to appoint someone who has had experience in the First Division, but like Mr Bramwell says, those managers have not had great success in the Premier Division.

Kenny Dalglish - the best manager Rovers have had in my lifetime - had not managed in the First Division but he made us the champions of England.

I thank Jack Walker for the success we have had, but I have also to blame him for our current plight.

It was a master stroke to appoint Dalglish. It is well-known however that Dalglish wanted to sign Mark Kennedy - yes, that same man who is the influence behind the rise of Manchester City! Those kind of managers you cannot interfere with - you let them get on with the job for they stand or fall on results by their own purchases and their influence on the team. Mr Walker almost made a second master stroke when it appeared he had secured the services of Sven Goran Eriksson, but rumours suggested there were problems because he wanted to bring Robert Mancini, too.

From that point Blackburn have been on a roller-coaster ride of decline. Like Mr Bramwell I too believe the man for the job is Martin O'Neill.

Apparently, Leicester have a board meeting on December 22 to decide who wins the power struggle in the boardroom. If it goes against Mr Elsom - who Martin supports - then perhaps Blackburn could secure his services.

Other possibles such as Terry Venables and Graeme Souness will not tolerate interference.

Seen attending the match against Stockport County were Dalglish and Ray Harford - could Mr Walker be pulling off another coup and rectifying his mistakes. He said he had to get it right this time but he needs to steer away from the likes of Todd, Roy Evans, Bassett and Howard Wilkinson, or I personally shall not be renewing my season ticket.

D W SHAW, Meadows Avenue, Thornton Cleveleys.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.