On the day which should have been the happiest of all, sadness and uncertainty prevailed.
Row upon row of empty Wembley seats. Supporters only stirred from their weary slumber when victory was certain.
A winning manager wandering alone through the bowels of the stadium, subdued and worn out. Owners, too, passing by the dressing-room seemingly isolated from their playing staff.
And the players, rather than celebrating, emerging to demand clarity on theirs and the club's future.