GINOLA AND GREGORY IN BUST-UP

With the Birmingham side losing 2-0, Ginola - who was widely booed by the Geordie fans during his time on the pitch - was brought off for Dutchman George Boateng after 42 minutes.

The flamboyant French star, who has been criticised by Gregory throughout the season, clearly felt he had been humiliated at his former home St James' Park and remonstrated with his manager before walking off down the tunnel.

Gregory tried to play down the dispute with the former Tottenham Hotspur player, who he brought to Villa Park in August for £3 million, but also hinted that he was not sure whether the Frenchman would still be at the club next season.

"I wish we could talk about the match and not just Ginola," said Gregory.

"I wouldn't have expected anyone to be doing cartwheels when they're about to be brought off.

"David's reaction showed he was unhappy but I was concerned he might get sent off after being booked.

"In a way he subbed himself. The way he was playing was affecting the whole team.

"I was also concerned that we might lose three or four goals but I take full responsibility for us being 2-0 down and I had started with a very adventurous line-up.

"Who knows what will happen next season? August is a long way away and he's under contract but it's up to David whether he wants to stay."

 This is more bad news for Villa after Gareth Southgate relinquished the captain's armband earlier this week and puts Ginola's future at Villa Park in severe jeopardy.

Villa went on to lose the game 3-0 through goals from Stephen Glass, Carl Cort and a Mark Delaney own goal.