HOW sad it is to read that after one successful season in the Premiership for Michael Ricketts, a period of speculation linking him with a so-called glamourous club has created illusions of grandeur within the mind of our striker resulting in a transfer request.

Mr Ricketts needs to understand that the best footballing education he can receive is at Wanderers under the wings of Sam Allardyce, rather than the glamorous bright lights of the big city club.

It saddens me that the days of club loyalty are long gone now and the lure of the big buck is the only incentive to the modern day footballer.

Well, a piece of advice to Mr Ricketts. If you choose to go to Spurs then in a year or two when you are languishing in the reserves at Tottenham cast your mind back to the club that gave you your opportunity to shine, and the consequences of your departure to a club that could face financial crisis if relegation occurs.

Dominic Carey,

via e-mail