Roman Abramovich is not immune to sentiment or the sound of the crowd. His face may be empty and expressionless and his rule remote since his UK visa problems began but the Chelsea owner does sometimes allow emotion to rule his heart.
Abramovich gave interim manager Roberto Di Matteo the job on a permanent basis against his better judgment in 2012 on the high of winning the Champions League, and in 2013 he recalled Jose Mourinho to satisfy fans estranged by Rafa Benitez.
But never in 16 years of unprecedented success at Stamford Bridge has the Russian performed such an unashamedly romantic move as this.
Roman Abramovich, pictured with Frank Lampard in 2005, is prepared to pay £4m to release him from his Derby contract in a bid to recapture the success they previously enjoyed
The pursuit of Frank Lampard by Abramovich and director Marina Granovskaia confirms the unique circumstances in play at Chelsea, with a transfer ban and a determination to try something different.
As the club's record goalscorer and icon of their most glittering era, Lampard's legendary status is secure.
He cannot claim experience as a coach, he is starting a 12-month UEFA Pro Licence course and has one season behind him at Derby when he failed to win promotion with one of the biggest budgets in the Championship.
But he offers an understanding of Chelsea and an ability to connect with its masses which will afford him respect, patience and time from fans who did not grant Maurizio Sarri the same.
Derby County have granted permission to Chelsea to speak to Lampard about the top job
Lampard is a managerial novice, but one shaping up as an expert frontman. Intelligent and articulate, he has been in the spotlight of English football for years and performed this role well for Derby.
In his backroom team are assistant manager Jody Morris and fitness coach Chris Jones. They, too, understand how Abramovich and his club like to roll.
Morris, having coached in Chelsea's academy, and Joe Edwards, expected to move from the development squad to a first-team coaching role, will provide links to the youth ranks.
They will give young talent a fair chance, which is what academy chief Neil Bath has demanded for years. Chelsea's academy is the envy of the country but one manager after another came in, looked at the prized graduates and decided they were not ready to meet the standards of a club
