MANAGER Chris Casper was guest columnist in last weekend's edition of the Football League Paper.

In his piece he led on the scandalous amount of criticism that Sir Alex Ferguson has received in the media following Manchester United's elimination from the Champions League two weeks ago.

Along with his father Frank, Casper rates Fergie as one of his biggest influences and says working with him during his Old Trafford days gave him the drive to become a coach and manager after his playing career was tragically cut short.

Interestingly, he also touched on Shakers' man-of-the-moment Simon Whaley, as a number of Premiership clubs are showing an interest in the 20-year-old following his aborted move to Sheffield Wednesday a few weeks ago.

Reading between the lines it appears Si, who like every footballer has his price, could well be on his way in the January transfer window and Casper admits to feeling he may reluctantly lose him this time.