THANK you for producing a team which plays such exciting football. In training, what is done to encourage ball retention and passing to wide players? Martin, Manchester

Jacko says: WE do more possession play in training than anything else.

Teams that keep the ball better than others are those which tend to do well and I feel that when we've got possession and are on the attack, we look a very good side.

There are times when we give the ball away too easily and it's very frustrating, but when we pass and move it allows our energy and strength and pace to show through.

When we are moving the ball well we look a very dangerous unit and that's reflected in the number of goals we've been scoring.

On the training ground, we always keep things at a very high tempo.

It's hard work, but the players revel in it.

One of the exercises we do is 14 v 7. It's the job of the 14 to keep the ball off the seven in a small area, while the seven have to try and close the others down.

You keep swapping among three teams of seven and the one which concedes the most passes gets a horrible forfeit - something I can't reveal here!

The good thing is that the routines are all very enjoyable and the lads take that onto the field with them when they play.

AS A first-time season ticket holder, I'd like to say how good the atmosphere is in the John Smith's. Is there any chance of some song sheets being printed? Ben Schofield, 7, Crosland Moor

Jacko says: BEN, I'm delighted that you are enjoying our matches and the atmosphere this season.

You young fans are the future of our club and it's great to know there is another generation coming through.

Like you, I think the support we've received this season has been fantastic, and long may it continue.

I don't know about song sheets being printed, but I'm sure you will pick up some of the favourite songs as you attend more games.

As long as we are getting long and loud backing from the supporters I'm happy, and I know the players appreciate it too.

Pawel Abbott seems to be getting most of the attention at the moment, not surprisingly, but we've had an exciting 16 months at this club and that's down to the efforts of a lot of people - including the fans.

There is a fantastic `family' atmosphere inside the club and I think that is reflected in the stands.

Incidentally, we are launching a new initiative for Under 7s next week, in conjunction with the Giants, and that will be very worthwhile.

But it's encouraging to know that someone of seven is keen enough to write in to the manager and ask a question, so thanks very much for that.

WOULD you ever consider playing Mirfin at wing-back and how versatile is our squad as a whole? Jamie Hulley, Cowlersley

Jacko says: I HAPPEN to think David Mirfin is an excellent player and could slot into the team just about anywhere.

I think he is best in central defence, but he could easily play at right-back in a flat back four or right wing-back, no problem.

He is also capable of going up front if we need him to, but we've got a few who can do different jobs.

Andy Holdsworth is the latest example, Tony Carss can also play wing-back or midfield and Jonny Worthington can either play a holding or attacking midfield role.

Then there's Nat Brown, who is probably the most versatile player we've got.

Centre-back, full-back, wide man or striker, Nat can slot in and do a job for the team, while Danny Schofield is versatile enough to play up front or anywhere across midfield. I think we've got good versatility in the squad.

CAN you explain why an injured player has to leave the pitch, thus putting his team at a disadvantage when the team committing a foul still has a full XI? Mark Learmont, Lindley

Jacko says: I AGREE, it's a crazy situation.

It is a FIFA directive and it's one I've never agreed with from the start.

There's another in operation at the moment where any player who has blood on his shirt or socks has to change them.

This means we've got to keep extra kit handy just so players can change if they need to.

The worst example I remember of a team being disadvantaged by the directive you are talking about was ourselves at Torquay last season.

With five minutes to go, we were 1-0 up but had had Tony Carss sent off and Torquay were piling on the pressure for an equaliser with a succession of corners.

While defending one of these, Efe Sodje and Andy Holdsworth had a clash of heads and both received lengthy treatment on the pitch.

When they both got up, they had to make there way to the side of the pitch and we ended up defending another corner with eight men on the pitch!

How daft can it get?

WOULD it benefit the Reserves to play in a higher division and how much of a priority is promotion for the second string? Martin, Manchester

Jacko says: RESERVE team football is about bringing on young players and the fitness of others.

I didn't like our Reserves getting relegated last season and they shouldn't have done.

But the most important thing at any football club is results for the first team.

You can win the Youth Cup, the Reserve League and any other trophy, but it counts for nothing if the first team are doing nothing.

WHY has Nat Brown played so many games as I'm not sure he's first-team material? Andy, Brighouse

Jacko says: I KNOW Nat's distribution lets him down at times, but you are guaranteed 110% effort with Nat in the team.

He turned the game for us at Bristol City with his raiding down the right and I pick him because I know he won't let me down.

It has probably been to his own detriment that he's not had a settled position, but he's very versatile and no-one should underestimate his contribution to the club.

He has probably had the most improved attitude of any player I've seen in years from being too easy going and laid back to being keen for a shirt and wanting the other players to do well. He's excellent in that.

DO you agree we play better football with Mendes and Abbott in the team, rather than lumping the ball at Boothy? Miles Burnham, e-mail and Kevin of Oldfield

Jacko says: NO, because I think we've also played some terrific football with Boothy in the team.

Boothy is a terrific servant to this club - and has been particularly while I've been here - and he's still got a huge role to play.

I was very happy with Pav and Junior in their first game together last week and, obviously, the more they are partners the better the understanding they will have.

I don't believe we look for the long-ball option every time Boothy is in the team and I have to say that the critics who were wondering where the goals were going to come from this season have been well and truly answered so far.