It ends where it began for Lee Carsley on Sunday as the interim England manager completes his time in charge with a Nations League clash against the Republic of Ireland.
His time at the helm may have been short but Carsley has certainly experienced the highs and lows of the 'impossible job' during that period.
From the positive headlines generated by his side's win in Dublin in September, which at that point seemed to point to a permanent role as Gareth Southgate's successor, to October's international window where a tactical experiment backfired against Greece and the media were unrelenting in their questioning about Carsley's future ambitions.
Perhaps a weight had been lifted by the time this month's internationals came around, Thursday's impressive win in Athens earning Carsley plenty of praise for his team selection on this occasion and now, another victory over Ireland will seal top spot in the group and a path back to the top section of Nations League football.
"It's a great role," Carsley told the press ahead of Sunday's Wembley sell-out: "It has been a brilliant experience, at times it has been tough.
"The tough times have been outweighed by nights like the other night [in Greece]."