Sir.–Two of our local football teams, namely Reading and Southampton, are in the news with their promotion back to Premier League football. Congratulations to both teams.

However, there is a third more local team, Basingstoke Town FC, who through the valiant efforts of the team and new manager, Jason Bristow, have reached the play-offs of the Blue Square Bet South.

If any local football fans, especially family groups, want to see some exciting and entertaining football next season, perhaps they should look no further than Basingstoke’s local team – bearing in mind that the entrance cost would be only a fraction of that at the other two previously mentioned teams.

On behalf of the fans of Basingstoke Town Football Club, could you pass on our congratulations to the chairman, who is happy to spend his time watching the games with the fans, the board of directors, all team members and a special congratulations to Jason, the team manager, who has injected so much entertaining and exciting football into his team in the short time since his appointment – culminating in winning Manager of the Month in his first month in charge.

This is not a letter from anyone connected with the club, but from a satisfied supporter, who has enjoyed the entertainment and pride the club has given in the past season.

–Reg Higginbottom, Highland Drive, Oakley.