It seems at the moment that there are many managers of professional clubs continually moaning about the amount of fixtures they have left to play.

Last week we had Gerard Houllier criticising the Premier League for not helping with their fixture pile up.

Now I read in Tuesday's Argus that the Seagulls face a hectic finish of eight games in 26 days, with Micky Adams saying 'Our programme bothers me' and considering rotating players to give them a rest.

At least Graeme Souness spoke some sense by saying professional footballers should have no trouble coping with such a demanding schedule, particularly those still involved in championships, promotion and cups. He feels they 'should want to play every day.'

Perhaps these managers should consider the plight of the non league footballers, particularly those in Sussex. All have a far more demanding finish to the season with those in the Ryman League being told their season will not be extended beyond May 5.

In that period of 24 days Lewes have 13 league games to play, which includes four games in the final week leading up to the Sussex Senior Cup Final with Bognor on May 7.

All these games and the travel associated with it, as well as having a full time job. That is what I call demanding.

Come on you managers, how about stepping out and see what happens in the real world!

Peter McCallum, Thames Way, Worthing.

BRUCE SAYS: Couldn't agree more, and spare a thought for all the unpaid volunteers at non-league clubs who are going to be spending most of the next month at the ground ensuring these games go ahead.

WE'RE NO FOOLS I find it incredible that the Halifax Town's general manager was able to claim that he only found out about the rugby league fixture the Monday before last week's game at the Shay was postponed.

The fixture is clearly listed in the April edition of the Sky Customer Magazine and therefore must have been scheduled some way back.

Who is Mr Kniveton trying to fool? Maybe pressure should now be put on Sky to televise the rearranged game as compensation to both clubs, and particularly for Albion fans who are unable to attend a midweek match.

SHAYm on all concerned.

Peter Gray, Hawth Crescent, Seaford.

BRUCE SAYS: If the football had been scheduled for Friday and the rugby league the next day you can bet TV would have won and the Albion game would have been called off.

VINTAGE PICTURES There was another excellent picture of an Albion team going back many years in last week's Sports Argus.

I can name about half the side but please give us the names with the picture if you know them.

Thanks to John Vinicombe for an excellent series.

John Bowden, School Hill, Farnham BRUCE SAYS: Sorry John, but the picture from our archives didn't have the names with it. In future we'll try and do that when we use old pictures in Vintage Vinners.

LOYALTY CLAIMS It is great to see such fervent support for Albion these days from their large catchment area, enjoying the team's return to the town and success.

However, I cannot understand why people who no longer live in the area travel such distances to watch the team. I find their claims on loyalty and great attachment to the team pretentious.

To me someone who lives over a hundred miles away and travels past several other league clubs to see the Albion is the same as someone who lives in Brighton or was even brought up in the area, yet claims to be a great follower of other clubs.

It is also important to bear this in mind when talk is of football and the community.

I am sorry but I have no great respect for West Country, Isle of Wight, Seagulls over London or people who write about Falmer from the Midlands. Support your local team, that is what football is about.

Darren Pearce, Craignair Avenue, Peacehaven.

BRUCE SAYS: What a load of rubbish. People move away from an area for all sorts of reasons but that doesn't stop them breaking ties with their football club. I applaud a fan of any side who travels a long distance to regularly follow their team and would say they have every right to voice an opinion about their club.

NO COMPLAINTS Before the complaints come in about season ticket price increases next season, may I - an occasional visitor to Withdean over the past two seasons - make two comments:

What Dick Knight and Micky Adams have done in two years (plus Alan Cork and other board members) is a minor miracle.

Let fans today not forget that because of previous directors and two people in particular, the current board had to rebuild the financial side as well as the playing side.

D. Latham, Bromley Road, Brighton.

BRUCE SAYS: We've only had two letters on the subject which seems to suggest the fans are quite happy to stump up extra to watch their side in Division Two.

As a supporter for over 60 years, I have seen many increases in admission prices at the Albion and, like everyone else, have had a moan.

But supporters have to realise a club cannot be run on fresh air, especially these days. We must be the only club in the country playing to full houses and losing money.

I have been to a lot of away games and some of the clubs charge more than we do.

Now if their prices go up this summer they will again be more expensive than us. If you want higher grade football it has to be paid for.

Do supporters realise everything is going up next year - players wages, administration costs and ground hire, it's got to come from somewhere.

My final observation is that if you don't want to pay the increase, stay away and let genuine supporters get tickets.

On the subject of Withdean 2000 coming back to share the ground, are they going to help with the cost of new drainage and re-turfing during the summer? I think not.

They effectively packed up last year because they couldn't get their own way on which league to play. If they want to share, let them share the cost of upkeep of the pitch which will not be cheap.

Bernie Dawes, Lancing.

BEST OF SUSSEX TO COME I know the football season seems to last forever, but I would just like to take the chance to wish the Sussex cricket team all the best for the new season.

Wouldn't it be great if they could emulate the Albion and win promotion to the first division in the County Championship and National League?

I regularly watch the team and believe their final position at the bottom of the table last season was not indicative of the level of performance. A few more points here and there would have made a big difference.

I know we will miss Michael Bevan, but I can see Murray Goodwin having a similar impact as Michael Di Venuto. Also, I believe we are going to see the best of the likes of Chris Adams, Tony Cottey and Richard Montgomerie this season.

May I also applaud the management of the club for their decision in appointing James Kirtley, a true son, of Sussex, as the new vice-captain.

Good old Sussex by the Sea!

A.Walton, Woodland Avenue, Hove.

BRUCE SAYS: I can confirm that the players looked in good form during the pre-season training camp in the West Indies which should auger well for the new season.