The men were mainly evicted farmers from Connaught and West Cork, beggared spalpeens from Carlow and Waterford; a cooper, some farriers, a horse-knacker from Kerry; a couple of Galway fishermen who had managed to sell their nets.

Some of the players were concerned about what the future held for them – given that one of the measures involved Chelsea not being able to operate in the transfer market or offer new contracts. Ditto many members of staff.

No, we scorn to be pure rogues, but if you come to our libken, or our stalling-ken, you shall find neither him nor me a queer cuffin.

We expect to grow at 10% annually in the new decade.