Leeds United's ninth-place finish last term was as unforeseen as their struggles have been this time around.
The Whites surged into the top half with a squad largely comprised of players who had played out the majority of their careers in the Championship.
United waved goodbye to the second tier of English football in 2020, hoping to see the Football League and trips to Millwall, Reading and the like disappear on the horizon.
However, they are now dangerously close to what many will deem a premature return as they teeter precariously on the edge of the Premier League's relegation zone.
With one fixture remaining - compared to two for immediate rivals Everton and Burnley - Leeds' stay in the top flight could be limited to another 90 minutes, before tumbling back into the division in which they fought tooth-and-nail to escape.
No fewer than 11 times has a club been promoted, survived in their first Premier League campaign after going up, only to succumb to relegation in their second season.
The term 'second season syndrome' is well-known and has been dangled in front of Leeds throughout this year; they will try desperately to avoid becoming its latest victim.
7. Reading: 2006-2008
Having been promoted with a record 106 points in 2005-06, Reading were relegated from the Premier League two years later (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
8. West Bromwich Albion: 2004-2006
Bryan Robson's West Brom pulled off an improbable escape during the 2004-05 campaign but could not repeat similar magic the following season (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
9. Ipswich Town: 2000-2002
Despite qualifying for European football in their first season back in the top flight, Ipswich would make a permanent return to the Football League in 2002 (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
10. Bradford City: 1999-2001
Bradford City were sent packing back to the second tier in 2001 (Photo: Craig Prentis /Allsport)
11. Middlesbrough: 1995-1997
Middlesbrough are relegated at Elland Road in 1997 (Photo: Clive Brunskill /Allsport)