FOR the past 12 months I have been working in Southampton on a work placement from my company in New York City.

This Saturday it is time for me to pack my suitcase and return home, but I would like to say a very big thank you to the people of Southampton for being so friendly and making me so welcome here over the past year.

I have had a wonderful time and have tried to take in some of the local culture. For example, I went to my first cricket match at the weekend on Saturday at the Rose Bowl when the Hawks beat the Spitfires. I cannot claim to totally understanding all the rules, but I loved it and enjoyed it much more than baseball back home.

I have also developed an attachment to the Saints and will be watching out for their scores on the internet next season. The atmosphere and support they get at their stadium is truly fantastic and I have now learned to call the sport football and not soccer.

By contrast I must admit I went to watch a couple of EPL games at Fratton Park, but the atmosphere there was very poor and the attendance much lower than the Saints.

The people of Portsmouth seem to have a big chip on their shoulder and an inferiority complex when it comes to Southampton. I may be wrong but this was the impression that I got.

I am looking forward to returning home, but I will miss Southampton and all the many friends I have made and hope to return soon.

Thank you once again all you Sotonians.

FRANK PETERS, New Jersey.