Once again, this is not quite what supporters of Newcastle United had in mind. Having made an immediate return to the Premier League under the management of Rafa Benitez, it seemed that a period of much-needed stability might follow.
Instead, as the team prepare for a testing trip to Huddersfield on Sunday, uncertainty reigns. A very public disagreement between Benitez and owner Mike Ashley over financial backing has raised fears that the club may slide straight back down again.
"Three months is an incredibly long time in Newcastle United years," says Martin Hardy. "The mood from May has changed markedly.