Ten days ago, Hibernian were six minutes away from creating history and reaching the Conference League proper. David Gray, already lauded in Leith for his Scottish Cup heroics as a player, would have been glorified to an even greater extent. Never before has a Hibs side reached league phase - or group stage - football in Europe.
They could almost touch it, and the riches which come with it. But then, there was a complete capitulation against Gent as they fell at the final hurdle for the second year running. One week later - after beating Dundee in between - they were back at Easter Road for the first Edinburgh derby of the season.
Only a win would suffice, but it was Hearts who emerged victorious. Victory against St Johnstone on Sunday would not have atoned for a bruising derby defeat, but it would have boosted morale. Instead, a lifeless and rudderless Hibs side huffed and puffed to a lacklustre loss in Perth, leaving supporters shaking their heads, pointing their fingers and venting their frustrations at Gray and his players.
The head coach cut a dejected figure at full-time and in his post-match interviews after a performance that, once again, left him with a raft of questions about his team and the direction they are headed. Fowler doubles gives St Johnstone win over struggling Hibs Deflated and rather despondent, there was a shift in Gray's manner after the action at McDiarmid Park. How long ago must the post-match celebrations in Gent following their goalless draw in the first-leg feel for him?
He would be forgiven for admitting being confused by his team, because it's certainly how many other onlookers are feeling. Last weekend at Dens Park, they played some glorious football. They started the second half of the derby well on top, and looked good value for an equaliser before Jack Iredale's mind-boggling red card.
But at times on Sunday, they were like a bunch of strangers searching for someone to step up, take control and grab... something, anything. Instead, two of Gray's supposed leaders let him down. Though only signed in the summer, Jason Kerr, the boyhood Hibee - who captained St Johnstone to their 2021 cup double - inexplicably allowed Josh Fowler a simple tap-in from close range before skipper Martin Boyle - who was hooked at half-time - committed a clumsy foul in the box for a clear-cut penalty.
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