What a time it has been for whinging managers recently.

Alex Ferguson blames the pitch, David O'Leary blames the criminal justice system and almost everything else on the planet, while John Gregory blames David Ginola.

As for Gregory, whatever prompted him to sign Ginola in the first place?

What did he think he was getting - a guy who advertised the work ethic rather than shampoo?

Instead of looking elsewhere for someone better suited to his own rough-hewn ways, Gregory chose to spend £2m plus £35,000 a week on an over-the-hill narcissus, without even insisting Ginola moved to the Midlands to get his ageing mitts on all that dosh.

His chairman, and Villa's long-suffering fans, deserve better, but Gregory got the rotten deal he merited. And if he was half as macho as he pretends, he would be man enough to take the rap himself.

Of course, I have to tackle Manchester United's manager. I think we should campaign for them to be reinstated in the FA Cup despite their 1-0 defeat against the superior Hammers a fortnight ago.

After all, the referee didn't play enough injury time, West Ham's goal was unfair and everyone loves United. It's good telly.

Or perhaps Alex Ferguson could just be gracious enough to accept they were beaten by a better team on the day and wish the Hammers luck in the next round - because they will need it.

As for David O'Leary, the man who could become the first in history to spend over £70 milllion on players to qualify for the Inter Toto Cup, he should take a leaf out of Harry Redknapp's book and spend more wisely.

While on the subject of Redknapp, did anyone hear his brilliant quote in the aftermath of the Man United triumph?

West Ham and Man United have been embroiled in two big betting controversies in recent years. This season the Hammers were priced at an amazing 10-1 to win at Old Trafford and a couple of years ago odds were offered for Man United to win the first throw in.

You may remember Paul Kitson blasted the ball off the field straight from kick-off. Redknapp said: "There was nothing in it. And even if there was, do you think I would tell you? They would lock me up."

Quote of the week this week has to go to Burgess Hill boss Gary Croydon.

I couldn't quite believe it after their 3-2 win against Selsey when he told me: "It seems you have to watch your limbs when you play teams from West Sussex."

He can expect a backlash to that comment every time his men are against West Sussex opponents. He told me on Monday morning after reading his comments in the Argus: "I should shut my mouth sometimes, because it can get me into trouble."