A year and a half ago, Real Zaragoza had a foot and a half in the grave, definitely not better known as Primera División RFEF (despite the name, that’s the Spanish third tier of football). What was even worse was the fact that the team most often looked like a geriatric going up against Conor McGregor. Not an appealing prospect for any manager, really. So it should say something that JIM not only arrived, but that he came through. He inherited 13 points after 18 games, and nearly tripled that haul, adding another 37 points in the remaining 24 games, in the process not just securing Zaragoza’s season but also assuring the club’s continued survival.

While not exactly a glorious season ending, that type of action tends to be remembered. As it should. His first and last full season in charge was less of a rollercoaster and a trip down a hillside in a shopping cart, the dangers always present and terrifyingly real. After the world record-equalling nine games drawn in a row, we found out supreme stability can also be a safety hazard. Once again, he rode out the storm and got us back to shore, safely. And now, he is being let go, the reason (new owners) not as surprising as the timing (the first time a manager leaves between seasons since Natxo Gonzalez jumped ship six years ago).

All this is mostly to say, thanks, JIM. And yet:

Ciao, míster. You’re only here ’til the next one arrives.