At least this time Frank Lampard was given an opportunity to say goodbye.
On a lethargic lap of honour in which the Chelsea players kicked miniature footballs into the stands as a mild gesture of thanks to the supporters who have endured their team’s most miserable campaign for three decades, the interim head coach paused on several occasions to stare towards those who continue to idolise him.
It was not a goodbye, Lampard insisted in “corny” fashion before yesterday's forgettable 1-1 draw with Newcastle, because his relationship with the matchgoing fan has been unaffected by the recent misery of a run that brought one win in 11 games during the final weeks of a season that had already been written off.
