I FEEL that I must respond to the letter by Elaine Bushrod and Jennie Rodgers regarding my letter of December 27.

I have no wish to get into a written debate, however it is obvious that you have misunderstood my observations and have marked me down as some sort of ‘fairweather’ Saints supporter. I fully respect your opinion ladies, clearly you don’t understand mine. You have also taken various points out of context.

I have followed and supported the Saints for over 60 years. I was born only about 400 yards from the Dell and so spent every weekend throughout the season watching first and reserve team matches.

I fully agree with you that after all the ups and downs we have been through over the years we should be eternally grateful to the Liebherr family for rescuing us from the chaos caused by a former chairman.

We have had several very good and successful years and yes I was there through them all, League One included.

It is precisely because I am such an ardent fan that I am so passionate about the club.

We have done so well in previous seasons but our position is looking somewhat vunerable this season.

I’m afraid I cannot watch the games every week through rose coloured glasses and hope that everything will turn out okay.

My criticism of Claude Puel's team selections remain. All managers at times rotate teams. However no other manager in the league carries out mass rotation on a such permanent scale.

Academy players must be used and developed but not all at the same time in important games.

Also we never have a plan B if the game necessitates it. So sorry but I don’t agree with his methods. My perogative!

So I am delighted you feel so strongly about the club and stood up for what you believe. I also feel strongly about the club and said what I believe. On many things I agree with you. On others I’ll agree to disagree.

Obviously within the fan base there are many points of view.

That’s football.

Lets hope we play the best team available at Wembley. COYR!

John Carter

Bitterne