David Richards' diatribe in which he makes the magnificently non-evidence-based assertion that university teaching should "always be led by those who are most passionate...about a field" (aka researchers) reminds me of parallels in sport. In 2007, many Manchester City fans argued that, despite poor results, Stuart Pearce (aka "Psycho") should remain as manager of the football club because he was so "passionate". A listener on BBC Radio 5 Live's football phone-in show 606 countered that his wife was passionate, too, but he wouldn't put her in charge of a football team. I rest my case.
Paul Probyn, Cockfosters