SIR: I refer to the letters about a knighthood for Nat Lofthouse.

To me, knighthoods are given to men of standing who have given outstanding service to the community.

What is the standing of Mr Lofthouse? He was a footballer. He was a robust player - not in the class of a Finney or a Matthews. He helped Bolton beat United for the Cup with what, by today's standards, would be a 'foul'.

I watched the Wanderers all through the First World War. Later, I was a Great Lever end supporter and, for over 40 years, a season ticket holder on the Burnden Stand. For this season, I said to my wife: "Enough is enough, I have had a good innings".

I have been invited back twice. On each occasion, they won.

I recall the 1920s with David Jack, what a player. He was the first one to break a transfer fee of £10,000. Then there was George Eastham, first to break the wage limit of £8. There were players such as Hilton, Westwood and Cook, George Hunt, Langton - players of class - way above Lofthouse. I think, too, of Joe Smith (the worker), Bill Jennings and Ted Vizard - both gentlemen. Class does have a place.

Mr N Blinkhorn

Bromwich Street, Bolton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.