THE inevitable has happened - a former top club bites the dust and we will be seeing a local derby against Studley BKL next season.

Less than a handful of years ago Bromsgrove Rovers were on a par with Kidderminster Harriers, playing in the Conference, one promotion from the Football League.

They have now been relegated to the toughest league in our area, the Midland Alliance. For the demise of this once great club, chief executive Pat Bannister should hang his head in shame at the incompetence and mismanagement under his stewardship.

Top class players have come and gone over the past few years including Stewart Brighton, Stuart Payne, Peter Sutton and Mark Benbow.

This season, George Rooney soon departed on "mutual" terms. There was then the appointment of Paul Madders immediately after he was sacked by fellow relegation club Paget Rangers.

Eric McManus brought some stability to the club, but he soon departed.

Enter Steve Daniels, from football's wilderness, who now gives finances as an excuse for the dire situation.

Perhaps he should draw an analogy with Bob Faulkner, manager at Moor Green for 15 years on a similar budget. With good housekeeping they finished in the top third of the Dr Marten's Premier this season and won a major local trophy - all done on the best pitch in the Midlands with disappointing gates and income.

The goings on at Bromsgrove include: lease disputes with Bromsgrove District Council; winding up orders; court appearances and unpaid tax bills.

The fiasco beggars belief. Pat Bannister has to accept overall responsibility for this appalling situation.

Mike Kelly,

Maypole Lane,

Kings Heath,

Birmingham.