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Rob Edwards' name may be mud in Teesside right now, but the former Middlesbrough boss' brief spell in charge of the club could yet pave the way to a better future.
It's all change in the Championship, with Boro one of three clubs looking for a new head coach following Norwich City's decision to part company with Liam Manning and Swansea City pulling the plug on John Sheehan's time in charge.
In recent years, Boro may have been scrapping with their divisional rivals for the best of the available candidates to take charge, but this time feels different.
After all, Boro are flying high in second place in the Championship table with just under a third of the season played, and on course to challenge for a spot in the Premier League next season.
It's a long, gruelling campaign, but the Teessiders are already six points clear of Ipswich Town in seventh spot, which suggest a play-off place at the very least is well within their grasp.
No one may want to admit it just yet, and the vitriol around his exit is completely understandable, but Boro could have something to thank Edwards for in the long run.
Their strong league position means they can attract a different calibre of manager, one with realistic Premier League ambitions if not experience at the top level.
It's why the likes of Steven Gerrard are being touted as the next Boro boss - everything is there for the new head coach to pick up the reins and continue the journey.
And if the appetite is not there to give Edwards any credit yet, then at least it bodes well for the next appointment.
The Boro hierarchy made an astute move in bringing the former Luton Town boss to the Riverside - even if he didn't repay their faith by jumping ship when Wolves fluttered their eyelashes in his direction.
That should give confidence that they know they calibre of coach they will want to succeed him, and get the next decision right once more.
It's been a bruising period for Middlesbrough and all who hold the club dear - but the foundations are in place for Boro to emerge from the other side just as strong, if not stronger.