As a boy I supported Brighton and Hove Albion.
With my mother and father we were first in the queue to go through the gates and get our favourite spot on the terrace at the Goldstone Ground.
There was no more loyal a supporter and I have the autographs to prove it.
As a young man I was at Wembley on July 30, 1966.
Ten years or so later I was reporting the fortunes of Brighton for local and national radio.
In the process I was banned by Brian Clough (who, 15 years earlier, after scoring a hat-trick, had declined to give me his autograph) for asking difficult questions.
I am – was – steeped in football. Today, I am frequently appalled by it; not by the game itself, which is still a thing of beauty, but by so many of the people in it.
It is a vulgar, sordid relative of the game that I knew and loved.
The treatment of former Manchester United manager David Moyes has been nothing less than shameful.
A decent man, in an impossible situation, has been traduced in the most appalling manner by club, media and many supporters.
What divine right does Manchester United have to win everything in sight?
The whole sorry circus is an absolute disgrace.
Neil Coppendale, Church Green, Shoreham
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