ISN'T it a shame that while our lads are battling it out for promotion on the pitch, the majority of us in the stands seem to have left our tonsils at home.

Where's the singing? Where's the chanting? Where are the balloons, the ticker-tape and roar as the players come on to the pitch?

I'm not the only one who would like to know. It was sad on Monday when we were outsung by Manchester City's contingent. I remember that spine-tingling feeling when I heard 22,000 fans get behind the team as they took on Arsenal earlier this season.

What's happened? Have you caught a cold or lost your voices?

At this rate, we're going to end up like Blackburn Rovers. You know, top team (once) but a vocal support that just about equals that of a depleted Bros reunion concert!

Look at us. We're one of the best teams in the league. On form, we are a match for anyone and always will be. So why aren't we showing it?

We were quick enough to shout abuse at the various players last season, calling for Gary Peter's head as soon as our form dipped.

But this season we are near enough silent. I'm sure I could hear someone snoring in a house behind the ground. At this rate, even the duck is going to give up.

It's great when we score, for about two minutes. Until the other team get the ball then there is just this faint rumbling noise akin to Micky Quinn's stomach during a fast.

And even when we do chant, '1-0 to the PNE' is hardly inventive. And what's the Stringray thing about? Why were we singing that on Monday?

Come on you lot, we want a ground that players don't like playing in. And that means singing. Louder than ever before.

John Crompton, New Longton

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