INSTEAD of attending the football legends match at St Mary's, I spent an hour and a quarter and travelled 27 miles on a motorcycle in the rain for nothing due to the inadequacies of the stadium and city council.

With there being ample cycle and motorcycle parking next to the Kingsland stand, I decided to ride there so as not to be at the mercy of public transport or to have worries over parking.

This went horribly wrong due to road closures around the ground with no signed diversions or exceptions for motorcyles trying to use the parking provided.

When I eventually got to the stadium all entrances to the parking area were blocked off and I was told by a steward that it was standard practice to do this half an hour before the game.

Due to the road closures and it being an evening game I did not arrive before this but nor should I need to, especially as there was only a small crowd.

This, together with the infamous Southampton traffic lights, manhole covers and potholes, made for an horrendous journey which turned out to be in vain.

With all the rain, the lack of time and no secure parking I was not prepared to put up with any more and so I went home.

This will help to explain the empty seats as shown on TV.

Southampton FC and the city council must get their act together to make life easier for people who choose to use non- congesting modes of travel.

Now I know why I avoid going near the city if at all possible. Thirty years ago I considered it to be one of the best cities in the country but now it's one of the worst.

M THOMPSON, Romsey.