Football mania swept the government's press briefing last week on the scheme to boost the pay of top researchers. Bob May, the chief scientific adviser, kicked off with a remark about recruiting the David Beckhams of science, while trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers picked up the ball with: "We have to ensure we're in the premier league."
Sadly Lord Sainsbury, no football supporter, missed his pass, sticking to comments about American wage levels. It was left to a hack to rescue the situation, with a well-struck question about how the new scheme will benefit those less gifted - the Francis Benalis of science.