AS we begin the post-Christmas pantomime known as "the transfer window", we face a month in which some ridiculous fees will be paid for footballers in the higher echelons of the national game.

Those transfer fees will be accompanied by weekly pay demands which dwarf the average yearly earnings of the fans who are the lifeblood of the sport.

It is the way it is and it isn't going to change despite the fact that some clubs will risk financial ruin by over-stretching their budgets.

So is it too much to ask for those pocketing such incredible sums to show greater appreciation of their privileged position?

At a time when the majority of people are having to cope with pay freezes, high-earning footballers need to remember how lucky they are and show greater respect.

That requires leadership from managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson, who has become such a powerful figure in the game that he is able to bully referees and their assistants without censure from the Football Association.

If managers don't set an example, their players are less likely to live up to their status as role models to millions of watching youngsters.

Sir Alex is not the only one to harangue officials, of course. But he is the most successful - and therefore most influential - manager in the Premier League.

Without the benefit of the multiple action replays afforded to pundits, officials make mistakes.

It is time to accept their human errors with more grace.