FOR the benefit of Gordon Taylor, leader of the Professional Footballers’ Association, I would like to define what is meant by the word professional.

My dictionary describes it as: “the competence, or the correct demeanour, of those who are highly trained and disciplined.”

Does he honestly think that the antics of several high-profile footballers, such as the players identified by Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio as being repeatedly late, aloof and disinterested towards the more tedious ( as they see it) elements of their lucrative contracts, are really showing the qualities of a true professional? I think not.

Any football supporter with any sense of decency or moral judgement is probably in total agreement with what Di Canio has accused many of his players of.

Isn’t it time that someone within the professional game stood up for higher and better standards?

Get real Mr Taylor.

Alan Jackson, Tudhoe