It is a year and a day since Cardiff City held their player of the season awards ceremony just a few hours after their relegation from the Championship was confirmed.
Given how acrimonious a campaign it had been – on and off the field – it is fair to say the timing of the event did not go down well with supporters.
Twelve months on, they were readier to salute their team, who had wrapped up League One promotion with three games to spare, securing an instant return to the second tier.
So, to host this season's awards on Saturday, the evening of their final home fixture of the season, it is fair to say the timing felt a little more appropriate.
This was a day of celebration – a carnival atmosphere at a sun-soaked Cardiff City Stadium, a 5-1 victory and a trophy presentation in front of jubilant fans who had streamed on to the pitch at the final whistle.
The match itself had been a procession. Pressure off having already secured promotion, Cardiff dismantled already-relegated Northampton with the nonchalance of sixth formers taking on year seven new arrivals.
"It was the perfect end to an amazing season," said head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.
"To give the supporters so many goals and such a comprehensive victory was the perfect way to end our homecoming."
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It was a swaggering performance, full of attacking verve and panache – even if their opponents offered feeble resistance.
That didn't really matter. Cardiff have outplayed better teams this season, and they already have their sights set on doing the same to others in the Championship next term.
"I don't think there is a limit to what this team can reach," said winger Ollie Tanner, who scored two goals in the mauling of Northampton.
"I don't see why we can't do it again next season because we've got the players, we've got the manager.
"I think people know this club is a sleeping giant and our aim is to get it back to the Premier League."
Barry-Murphy struck a more measured note amid the euphoria.
"Ollie's prone to getting carried away with himself," the Irishman smiled.
"We're going to be going into a division where the club had a difficult experience in previous years but I think our intention was from the very start of this season to give the supporters a team that they could be excited by and look forward to watching play and our intention is to improve that and continue that."
Planning in earnest for next season can wait a little longer.
There is still one match to come, a trip to Mansfield Town next weekend, before Cardiff can leave League One in the rear-view mirror.
What state the Bluebirds' players will be in for that finale remains to be seen.
After the trophy presentation, Tanner was asked what the celebrations would be like for the rest of the weekend.
"Messy," he answered with a wide grin. "I think the boys will enjoy it. I think we deserved it."
That prompted another look of amusement from his boss.
"I think it's good for them," said Barry-Murphy. "I'm fine, slightly more years on the clock so I feel a bit tired, but it's going to be nice.
"This week's been very special. We've got a chance to really appreciate what we've achieved and savour every part of it."
