"Get a life, Don Black, take an interest in football and go to watch a match," said RSCarb5738@aol.com (Letters, November 14)

I played goalkeeper from 1942 to 1982 as amateur, professional and permit and won honours at these levels throughout my 40 years in soccer, including during National Service (1954-56), when I played for the RAF Coastal Command England.

Just before my demob, in May 1956, I was offered pro terms with Irish club Coleraine but refused.

Because I had served a five-year apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce, Hucknall, my job was there to go back to. My professional career started on October 4, 1956. Two days later, I was playing in the second round preliminary FA Cup.

Before moving to Sussex, I turned down offers from Sheffield Wednesday and my former boss Tommy Johnston, who left Heanor Town to manage Rotherham United.

I worked for 31 years as a stevedore at Shoreham harbour. I packed up playing Saturday soccer to play North Brighton Sunday soccer and in 1969 was playing in the Sussex Sunday Junior Cup Final at Hanbury Park, Haywards Heath.

Most Sundays and some Saturdays, I watch morning soccer either at Buck Park, Wish Road, Nevill Playing Fields or East Brighton park.

Every year, I donate to the Sussex Sunday League injured players' fund.

From the age of 17 to 20, I gained a lot of experience with a then prominent semi-pro club, Sutton Town, who were to become great rivals to Heanor Town later on.

So, RSCarb5738@aol.com - whoever you are - you are welcome to call on me and have a look at my trophies cabinet and the only scrap-book that has survived three house moves. Then tell me to get a life and watch football.

-Don Black, Shelley Road, Hove