Besides wishing Roy a speedy recovery to full health, I hope he feels profound relief at no longer needing to worry constantly about the performance of his team.

Secondary to that, of course, was worrying about how he was perceived by journalists and fans who, by job description and nature, tend to believe their understanding of football is superior to his. I suspect he didn't worry per se; but I suspect he occasionally felt, to use one of his favorite words, aggrieved.

As I raise my glass to his service to the club, I hope he will raise his glass in gratitude for no longer having to hear chirps from the peanut gallery. He's a better man than most of us.

Some people just couldn't wait to use this sad incident as ammunition

If Hodgson returns we will need to install a bath chair in the dug outs. Much better that he continues to convalesce in the Nathan Ferguson Suite at Mayday Hospital.