Sir Gareth Roberts may enjoy a high-flying academic career but, as a lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, he has also had to endure years of frustrated ambition.
His review of the supply of scientists in the UK encapsulated a vision of the educational landscape that the country needs to produce a new generation of scientists and engineers. Naturally, Sir Gareth was pleased to see the subsequent report, SET for Success , bound in his team's colours, white and dark blue.
He was less impressed by the official response. While most of Sir Gareth's recommendations were embraced by the government, the report that will turn those dreams into reality - Investing in Innovation - emerged in the royal blue of Spurs' London rivals Chelsea, the team responsible for thumping Tottenham 4-0 twice last season.