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It has often been said, but it's worth repeating, that football isn't a normal business and fans aren't ordinary customers.

There is no other business model outside of sport where, no matter how bad the product, the consumers will keep on buying into it regardless.

That's why they need protecting.

have let down their fans, but the supporters have also been let down by the and the as well.

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The scientists at in London don't seem an emotional lot, but I reckon there was more than a frisson of excitement when, for the first time anywhere in the world, a test for showed up positive.

The drug testers strove for years to come up with a test that works, is reliable and legally watertight. Just before the in 2004, such a test was signed off and brought into play.

It had limitations. Still does. Its effectiveness is fairly limited over time. Not quite as bad as having to take the sample when the needle's just come out of the skin, but not far off.

To catch someone, you'd have to test them within a couple of days of them taking HGH. That meant those abusing it could calculate the odds. Anyway, up until 24 November last year, everyone who's taken it has got away with it, apart from those stupid enough to be caught with it in the pockets of their tracksuit bottoms.

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There have been some interesting things bobbing about in the think tank. "" might be semi-submerged now, but the contents have been given another stir and floating to the top, along with several others, has come fourth-place play-offs. Not a snappy title, but it might get a bit of traction.

Let's just add the health warning at this point. This is an idea, a discussion point, something for the clubs to consider. Nothing could be introduced for at least three years, because the TV deal's all mapped out. But it has been properly looked into, its possible implications modelled by statisticians and presented to the members.

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