Chelsea toffs have lost touch with roots

Trenton Oldfield had a different type of elitism in mind when he risked a clatter across his own boat race from a flying oar on the Thames last Saturday, but we’ll heed his protests all the same.

So instead of sympathising with Chelsea’s stressful schedule that begins with tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final, let’s remember that for millions of footballers, these are among the most enjoyable weeks of the year. The evenings have stretched to fit midweek matches.

Great days, with evenings that sustain you through a slog at the desk or a shift at the machine or maybe, if things aren’t going so well, give you a reason to roll off the couch at all.