Well, Mike, I know that forecasts can end up being wide of the mark, but the ones this week in the budget statement and subsequently were generally those born of independent bodies, not remoaners. Like it or not, economic forecasts have to be listened to and acted on by the government. They are ignored at our peril. The lowest-paid in this country are in for a tough time on top of the tough time they've had over the last decade, that's a certainty, and the NHS is going to struggle through lack of funding, another certainty.

Stevie is a scouser and dyed-in-the-wool Liverpool FC man to his core. I hope his move into coaching will be gradual and measured. Seen too many footballing greats fall at the first hurdle in management. Not least Bobby Charlton, eh!