There is no Titus Bramble for the new season, which should help cut the comedy factor, and Martínez has picked up two World Cup central defenders in Antolín Alcaraz, from Paraguay, and Steve Gohouri of the Ivory Coast.

“Let’s cut the comedy,” he urged.

"Let's cut the comedy," he snapped.

"And we'll cut the comedy and the dance," I said, thankfully.

Cut the comedy and come down to earth.