David Walsh ('Middlesbrough kids lift England hopes', September 9) highlighted Middlesbrough’s attempts to recruit young players, saying the scouts are prepared to get out in all weathers. But where do they go? Judging by the photo you published, it seems they were unable to find even one nonwhite lad good enough to play for the youth team. Why should that be?

Paul Taylor, Whiston

As a Premier League fan who spends a not inconsiderable amount of money watching games, I believe I am within my rights to expect to see two sides whose desire is to win by playing the right way, not to see teams such as Reading and Sunderland, to quote Jose Mourinho, ‘park their bus’ across the middle of the pitch and challenge teams to break them down.

Phil Riley, Maidstone

The joy of a footballer called up to represent his country can only be enhanced by knowing he will not have to watch the game on the BBC. John Motson’s sell-by date has long since gone. And it doesn’t get any better when he hands us back to the studio, where we have to listen to Gary Lineker, Ian Wright, Alan Shearer and Alan ‘I cannae believe what I’m seeing out there’ Hansen.

Richard Peters, St Helens

Colin McFadyean ('Caught in Time', September 9 ) played for Staffordshire and was fly-half for them in the County Championship final of 1970 when they defeated Gloucestershire. Beside McFadyean were England internationals Sam Dobie, Jan Webster and Mike Davies. It was Staffordshire’s only title in a competition that was second only to the Five Nations.

J Berry, Cheltenham

Within minutes of the end of qualifying for the Italian GP, in which McLaren outpaced Ferrari, Italian police tried to serve writs on McLaren personnel in the ‘dirty tricks scandal’. Ferrari’s home grand prix, taking place not far from their HQ? Some could see this as a dirty trick.

Chris Gunnell, West Bridgford

The World Twenty20 has already stolen a march on the World Cup, held earlier this year. The Wanderers was rocking even before the first ball of the opening match between South Africa and West Indies. Fireworks, cheerleaders and low ticket prices all added up to a packed stadium and great atmosphere.

K Chand, Ashton-Under-Lyne

Why is Mark Ramprakash not in the England cricket team? He has been top of the averages in each of the past two seasons, and in his last two matches for Surrey he has scored 188 against Hampshire and 175 against Warwickshire.

Guy Bellamy, Glastonbury

Simon Wilde was wrong when he said (last week) England’s bowlers had claimed 50 wickets to India’s 26 in the NatWest Series, it was 53 and 37.

J Higgins, Baildon, West Yorkshire

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