The Football Association never gave a reason: did they reckon it was off-message to have a part-time pro leading the line?
Parking up in specially designed bays, they're unloaded with clockwork precision to the song of "alright geezer, fackin Henry, ya reckon he's off?" "Nar, French cant!
Its favourable demographic trends mean its fiscal day of reckoning is further off than Europe's and the dollar's reserve-currency status provides manoeuvring room.
Seeing as they are already out of the reckoning, the pressure is off as they head to Wembley and any team with the likes of Robert Lewandowski leading the charge is capable of upsetting applecarts.
I reckon we will be off in about 25 minutes or so.
The BBC's Gavin Hewitt reckons the gloves are off, as the battle for Italy's future continues: Gavin Hewitt (@BBCGavinHewitt) Gloves off in Italian Senate debate.
Midfielder Karl Henry admits Wolves need a "miracle" of five wins out of seven to stay up - but reckons the pressure is off because everyone thinks they're down.
Is there more respect for local authority in the unaffected cities? Seems unlikely in, say, Hull; and I'd reckon that councillors etc are off most potential troublemakers' radar.
But no matter what they do, the day of reckoning is not far off.
With Wall Street still filling the city's coffers, that day of reckoning is some way off.
