The year is winding to a close, and the wonderful holiday season is upon us (though I have done no gift shopping as of yet...). This past year has been filled with controversy, though perhaps some may argue no more than any other season, but what has increased rather unfortunately, is managerial whining. The key culprits of the past season, as they seem to be every year, are Mr. Benitez, Mr. Wenger, and Sir Alex Ferguson.

This year started off with a bang, particularly from Rafa Benitez who so elegantly decided to attend a press conferense with a dossier filled with transgressions committed by Sir Alex. His ridiculous tirade can be seen as the catalyst that started what has culminated in Liverpool's eventual demise in the Premier League, as they were sitting pretty in top spot last December, and crashed to where they currently stand now.

Perhaps it is too much to lay just on Rafa, but the media circus that ensued his mental collapse could well have trounced any chance Liverpool had at continuing their form. Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex himself were not saints either.

Both have continually ridiculed referees, blaming them for poor results (rather than laying the blame on some rather poor performances) and even causing a stir every now and then after a referee's decision led to a win! The FA has been known to be much too leinient, especially on these high profile managers, slapping them on the wrists occasionally, perhaps making them sit in the stands for a game or two.

Now I must digress, as a Chelsea supporter I take a negative view on these actions from our rivals, but we are not without our own demons. Though Mourinho was a key contributor in his day in the Prem, at least he made it entertaining and funny (admit it, you miss him too), but in the end, whining is whining. In this past year there was the explosion of Drogba and Bosingwa after the Champions League debacle against Barcelona, and while not of a managerial stature their inclusion in this article seems warranted (though I have a seething hatred towards most things Norwegian to this day).

Still, it is impossible to think back on this year of football and not think of some of the most ridiculous things you have ever heard of, from Rafa claiming the fourth official was "too young" to take control of a Premiership match to Wenger claiming the referee's decisions decided the recent match against Chelsea, despite obviously getting outplayed (I will willingly point out they lost by a score of 3-0 at home). The referee doesn't try to defend against Drogba, that's your defender's job Mr. Wenger... for years you've tried, and for years you have failed, don't blame it on the man in the middle for your inadequacies.

Overall the whining is an unfortunate albeit entertaining aspect of the Premiership. What I find so unnerving is that it is the same culprits time and time again, teams that win over 60% of their matches, that spend the most time complaining. You are successful managers, you lead winning teams, so BLOODY SHUT UP ALREADY!