Hornets' old adversary Councillor Brett has this week shown himself to be - not only a self important pain in the bot - but also a genuine Christmas Scrooge.

Brett has "Bah-humbugged" Hornets' plans to host the revenue-boosting Law Cup game with the Biffs on December 29th. Seemingly forgetting that, as joint majority shareholders in the £4million Spotland Stadium, Hornets can use it as they see fit as long as it doesn't clash with any football dates, he has thrown a sulk that the annual "friendly" might damage the pitch at what he calls "... this very busy part of the soccer calendar".

As one representative of the minor shareholder in the stadium company, it seems to us that he's overstepped his remit on behalf of the Dale - which we find amazing for a lifelong, dyed in the wool Burnley supporter.

The Law Cup doesn't clash with any football dates and will bring much needed revenue into both Hornets and the Stadium Company - vital revenue at what we describe as a 'crucial point of a long close season' during which the club is unable to generate cash through the gate.

Indeed, if Councillor Brett is genuinely concerned about the effect of the game on Rochdale's professional sporting capabilities, he should surely be throwing himself behind the Law Cup wholeheartedly as the perfect hors d'oeuvre to what will be the most challenging National League/Cup season yet.

So come on Councillor Brett, don't be a misery guts at this time of year. Show that you're behind sporting success in Rochdale whatever the shape of ball. And try and find deep within your claret and blue heart a little seasonal goodwill towards your fellow Stadium Company partners.