With a 5-1 win against NorthEast United in their final match of the season, Hyderabad avoided the tag of the worst performer in Indian Super League (ISL) history. They managed 10 points from 18 games, a point more than last season's wooden spooners Chennaiyin FC.
The win in the final league match was only Hyderabad's second in what was a disastrous season. Before that, the ISL debutants endured a 14-game winless run that laid bare the issues in the squad.
Having made a late entry to the Indian Super League scene, the player options were not abundant for Hyderabad.