I am writing to object to the publicity given to the contract negotiations surrounding the Ulster Rugby coach.

I am aware that Steven Beacom (Sport, February 8) is more comfortable with the shenanigans associated with soccer management, but I object to his efforts to drag Ulster Rugby down.

What does Mr Beacom not understand about management contracts, when a coach or manager is given a 12-month extension to his original contract? Surely the writing is on the wall?

Ulster are languishing in sixth place in the Rabo 12 League and yes, we have, yet again, got to the Heineken Cup quarter-finals. But with an array of top-class South African and New Zealand players, as well as our quality locals, this is the least we could expect.

Shane Logan has intimated that he wants Ulster to be a "world-class" rugby club. To do that, he needs a "world-class" coach, who will, with David Humphreys, continue to attract world-class players to Ulster.

Ulster Rugby is in the world of professional business.

It needs to be recruiting the best. Making do with someone whose major successes have been in schools' rugby will not cut it. What's wrong with reaching for the sky?

Let's support Ulster Rugby and allow it to get up there with Leinster and Munster, rather than languish at the lesser levels where Mr Beacom seems to be more comfortable.

IAN RAINEY

MSL Search -amp; Selection, Belfast

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