He came. He triumphed. He acquired a tracksuit.
Martin O'Neill's homecoming to Celtic has been anything but dull. It featured headline-grabbing news conferences, a derby cup semi-final victory, a revival of fortunes in the league, and quip after quip lapped up by the adoring Parkhead support.
The affection for the 73-year-old pours out of the place, and on Wednesday, it was gushing on his last appearance as Wilfried Nancy gets ready to take charge.
After a 1-0 win over Dundee brought them level with Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership, O'Neill undertook a lap of honour around Celtic Park, with the squad applauding him in his wake, and he played to the gallery singing his name.
"These players have been absolutely fantastic and that's why they are champions," he told the crowd. "It's been a great honour."
Back within the confines of the Celtic Park main stand speaking to the media, O'Neill's form mirrored that of the team he's helped steer back on course.
"Do you know what? I'm going to take the tracksuit," he informed the press pack. "Steven, the kit man, he doesn't know, but I'm packing this away.
"Seriously, absolutely. I'm definitely taking this."
The Departure of a Charismatic Figure
O'Neill, much like predecessor Brendan Rodgers, is a natural performer.
The humble Northern Irishman might have presented himself with a modest sense of astonishment over these last few weeks, but his presence has been a PR and coaching masterstroke.
The wily old fox, his patter and his influence has juxtaposed a disconnect between the board and the stands.
Supporter protests at a recent club AGM led to it being abandoned, and during Rodgers' final months, protests were a common occurrence.
Anger and frustration at the club's disastrous campaign in a European competition and a transfer window had spewed and sparked like hot lava from sections of the support.
O'Neill's arrival was a gear change. It provided togetherness and a serene calm in the midst of discombobulation and disquiet.
Eight games, seven wins, and a League Cup final secured.
Celtic have gone from being eight points off the top to level with Hearts, and they also hold a game in hand. It's not all been swashbuckling like it was in a European away win, but methods of securing victory have been discovered.
"It's like a total whirlwind," said O'Neill after claiming it's been "an incredible experience" back at Celtic.
"I was secretly hoping that the previous match was going to be the last game, so I didn't want to spoil things tonight.
"It wasn't the most spectacular of victories. But three points on the board maintains the momentum. How did Hearts do?"
O'Neill Legacy Leaves Bar High for Nancy
O'Neill's shock appointment extricated Celtic from one hole. But some could argue his emotional departure - and when it occurred - puts a bit of pressure on the man coming behind him.
The experienced manager arrived in Glasgow claiming he had no claims on taking the job permanently. Whether secretly he nurtured hopes to the contrary we will never know.
But there was a growing sentiment from some fans that O'Neill, who has proven the most reliable custodian, should stick about for longer. At the very least, be given the chance to lead Celtic out in the upcoming cup final.
Instead, Nancy will come in faced with a run of fixtures which will require him to start immediately at full speed like an Olympic sprinter.
A crucial league match is followed by a European tie against Italian opposition. Then that final at the national stadium.
Celtic could finish that triple-header of games top of the league, progressing in a European competition, and with a trophy in the cabinet.
Or, they may not.
For any new manager coming in, it's a colossal baptism of fire to try and successfully manage. O'Neill staying on may have alleviated that instant pressure, but faith has been put in his replacement.
Celtic's season has been righted, and O'Neill will leave with his heralded legacy intact, and if anything, enhanced. It's a tough act for Nancy to follow.
The club legend leaves behind a Celtic team with a fresh sense of self. He leaves behind a support with renewed belief. He leaves behind a lofty standard.
He does not leave behind a tracksuit.
