No sooner has Europe's new Ryder Cup captain, Mark James, got the first hint of who might play their way into his side for next year's defence of the trophy against the United States in Brookline than one of his predecessors evokes all the passion that the bi-ennial contest generates by criticising his appointment.

Tony Jacklin, who led the European team from 1983 to 1989, has spoken out against James, who was confirmed as captain two weeks ago, saying that in his opinion his behaviour in the 1979 match should have barred him from the job. Instead, Jacklin believes the Ryder Cup committee should have given the captain's role to Sam Torrance.

Sven Struver threw his hat into the ring for a possible Ryder Cup debut by winning Europe's first counting event, the European Masters, in Switzerland on Sunday, which effectively launched the juggernaut towards its final destination in Boston in 12 months time.

However, if James thought he could ease his way into the job, the comments from former captain and team-mate Jacklin would make him think again. In an interview in Golf International magazine, Jacklin states that he has a long memory: "I'm a member at The Greenbrier, where the match was played in 1979, and there isn't a picture hanging in that clubhouse where he (James) looked into a camera lens," says the former Open and US Open champion.

"He and Ken (Brown), for whatever reason, made it their business to sabotage any chances the team had." America won 17-11.

"They were levied the biggest fine there has ever been when they returned. And Ken Schofield's answer was to appoint Mark James to the PGA European Tour committee, where he's been ever since, now chairman.

"And that's fine. He's grown up. But he showed a lot of disrespect for his country and for everybody involved with the team that week.

"To reward that 20 years on, I can't see it. I'm not a prude but I can't see that would be right. But if the players and the establishment think it's right, so be it."

James was fined a record £1,500 for unprofessional conduct and Brown was given a £1,000 fine and banned from international duty for 12 months.

Among their "offences" were not wearing team uniform at times and showing disrespect for the flag-raising ceremonies.

On his appointment, James named Brown as one of his assistants for next September's defence of the trophy in Boston.

Schofield, executive director of the European Tour, said: "Mark has made a very important contribution outside the ropes as well as continuing a really outstanding career.

"I think that in his time his game has always been respected and admired by his colleagues. So it would be very evident to the administration the respect he has universally from all branches of the tour."

James said he considered the 1979 match water under the bridge. In addition to being chairman of the tournament committee he is a member of the tour's board of directors.

Meanwhile, Jacklin's verdict on Seve Ballesteros is that "he did great" in the victory at Valderrama last year.

"He's passionate about it. That's what I like. I know he gets in the way, on the fairway, here, there and everywhere. Got on the lads' nerves a bit.

"He's just excitable, that's all. The players are all comfortable enough with him to tell him to clear off. But the passion and enthusiasm involved was vibrant.

"I definitely think he's the man for the job, but it seems that won't happen. They (the Ryder Cup Committee) wouldn't give him three choices."

Ballesteros, who resigned minutes after beating the Americans on Spanish soil, has since said that he doubts he will ever take on the captaincy again.

Jacklin wishes that Torrance had made himself available for the job this time round rather than saying he wants to play again.

"He's passionate about the Ryder Cup and that's what gets a job done properly," says Jacklin.

"When you are passionate about something you live it. Sam exudes it. I know he wants to get in the team and he's still a great player, but he would be far more beneficial as captain.

"If he scrapes into the team and picks up the odd point, that's not as significant as his contribution might be."

Torrance is already favourite to be captain at The Belfry in 2001, James having said he sees his appointment for one match only.