The idea that our football clubs are socially important civic assets has been constantly challenged over the past 30 years. These days, anyone with money is invited in to take them over, with precious little scrutiny or investigation. Sure, this was a game that always attracted dodgy owners. But the new breed of crypto currency dealers, oligarchs and sovereign wealth funds are buying in solely for their own financial and geo-political reasons. They have precious little interest in their new asset’s wider meaning or purpose. But here is the opportunity for them to show they understand what their properties mean.

A mid-winter break might be the way forward, but now is not the time to start

Because, as live crowds and television audiences grow exponentially, the importance of football to so many lives only increases. For many of us in lockdown the game offered a hint of normality, an opportunity to think about something other than the relentless, depressing barrage of pandemic news. It was something to get excited about, something to occupy the attention, something to look forward to. It was the most seductive form of escapism at a time when reality was in constant danger of overwhelming us all.

As such it provided a vital social service. Its value was made clear by the huge surge in attendances in the autumn when restrictions were lifted. And while the health and wellbeing of its participants needs to be considered, while it is important their fitness is not compromised by over-playing, while ultimately a mid-winter break might be the way forward, now is not the time to start. Because this remains the game’s fundamental merit, the one that should be uppermost in any decision making: it holds a unique position in society in that it can provide a national tonic in the toughest of times.

It may not be easy, it may entail significant challenge, but football has done it before. The very fact it returned from its initial hiatus and kept going during lockdown kept a lot of us going. To falter now would, frankly, be a dereliction of duty. The country needs its football – all its live sport – now more than ever.