MAY I take issue with Angela Kelly (January 22), in referring to footballer Michael Owen as a "hero".

What does it say for today's society, when his alleged gambling of thousands of pounds is dismissed as mere "pocket money", for a 23-year-old whose main aim in life if getting a ball into a net?

Of course I accept "the beautiful game" gives pleasure to the many whose inflated admission charges subsidise the huge (some would say obscene) weekly pay-outs. Sadly, these days some devotees almost revere these players like gods.

But a hero? No, Angela. I contend this word is being too freely used in the entertainment world and is therefore in danger of being devalued. To journalists, I make a plea to reserve it for those brave souls -- many unsung -- of the calibre of the late, lamented DC Stephen Oake.

Olive M Kenyon

Laburnum Park

Bradshaw, Bolton