FOLLOWING the pathetic and inadequate displays of the Sunderland and Newcastle United players towards the end of the season, on the field and off, I feel that, in future, a major part of their lucrative contracts should depend on appearances (on the field and not in night clubs).

I would also enforce payment by results. Rugby League teams still do this.

In fact, if I were in Paolo Di Canio’s shoes I’d send Phil Bardsley [recently pictured in newspapers covered in £50 notes on a casino floor] for a month’s training with one of them, or failing that, the Royal Marines (that’s if he lasted a month).

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland