So this week saw the ending of a significant part of Football League history, as Lord Mawhinney, or Brian in his combative days as a Conservative MP, stepped down as chairman.
When you look at some of the initiatives he has been part of, I think he leaves a very strong legacy. At the time for example, I was frankly amused by the renaming of the second tier to The Championship - it seemed like some slightly bizarre piece of marketing spin.
Now, people speak of the aspiration of "Championship football" and the second tier does, I feel, have some enhanced prestige. Certainly attendances at English second tier matches put those across Europe to shame.
There are "fit and proper person tests", plus wage caps in the lower two divisions, based on a percentage of turnover. Both are attempts to try and restrain the madcap spending that ultimately plunges clubs into trouble. They both state that some form of corporate responsibility is important.
Finally, perhaps his most lasting impact is in the concept of "sporting sanctions" for clubs who go into administration. This is perhaps his biggest and most powerful achievement. As things stand, the main losers when clubs go into administration can often be the communities around them, in terms of local business and arguably the taxman, who usually face receiving only a small percentage of what they are owed.
The fact the Premiership has been seen to follow the Football League's lead in this and other areas is another testament. So, whatever your party allegiances, I say give Lord Mawhinney a polite nod as he walks out the door for a job well done, with a new league sponsor safely in place in difficult times.
What do you think? Email Hawesy!
The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
