Matt O’Riley, peak McGregor and Hatate, propped up by a competent supporting cast seem like far flung heady days. Last season it would be a stretch to label the midfield as functional.

Too often it looked sclerotic. Unimaginative on the ball and feeble off it. As resistant as a bead curtain. It often looked Staccato. 3 individuals who had gone rogue as opposed to a synchronised operation.