WHILE football recovers from the latest incident to drag its name through the mud, Town manager Peter Jackson is proud of the behaviour of his youthful squad.

The allegations surrounding Leicester City's trip to Spain last month cast a shadow over the whole English game, but Jackson is delighted with the conduct of his McAlpine promotion chasers.

Most of Jackson's players, of course, are in their early 20s and he is mindful of the potential pitfalls which could come their way outside the control of the club.

The manager counters that by making himself available for friendly words of advice or to give a helping hand - and his office door is always open.

"The players have been excellent; not a minute's problem," said Jackson, whose only elder statesmen in the current first team are Yates, Sodje and Booth.

"Incidents like the Leicester one and others over the last few years - whether the allegations are proven or not - do tarnish the reputation of the game and footballers in general, and that spoils it for the likes of my players, because they are not like that.

"We have got lads here who are full of respect for me and the club and the job that they do and they look after themselves properly."

Jackson admits his influence can stretch only so far. Away from Town duty, the young men under his command have to be responsible for their own actions.

Most have come through the Academy, where good habits are taught both on and off the pitch by coaches and welfare staff alike, and the senior squad are prominent with appearances at community events throughout Kirklees.

"As manager you can talk to young lads and stress how you would like to see them behave," added Jackson.

"There are codes of conduct from the club which they have to adhere to, but you can't hold their hands 24 hours a day and, as soon as they leave the club, they are responsible for their own decisions.

"As soon as they sign up for a future in this game, lads have to take that responsibility - and I'm delighted to say my players have been exemplary so far."

Jackson - 17 years a centre-back himself and captain at Bradford City from the age of 18 - says he is saddened by the front-page headlines which sometimes haunt a game he distinguished with 739 senior appearances.

"Footballers have to realise they are role models, whether they like it or not, and that millions of youngsters look up to them," he said.

"Sometimes I don't think players appreciate just how much influence they have.You have got a lot of young people at the higher end making a lot of money in football these days and, as a result, people expect something back in return.

"That applies off the pitch as much as it applies on it. Part and parcel of being a footballer is the responsibility that goes along with that. If players are going to take the big wages and the fame, then they've got to be prepared to be in the public eye and act accordingly."