The 2024-25 numbers make for pretty horrific reading as far as Cardiff City are concerned.
* 44 points, their lowest total since being relegated in 1999-00 with the same tally, and their lowest tally outside of the Premier League since relegation from Division Two in 1994-95.
* Nine wins, the lowest they have achieved in a league campaign since 1999-00, when they also managed just nine.
* 73 goals conceded, the most shipped in a league season outside of the Premier League since 1994-95 (74).
It all led to what will be a first season in the third tier since the 2002-03 campaign.
And while the early stages of the transition from being a Championship club to a League One side were fraught with struggle and frustration, the building blocks are now, albeit gradually, falling into place for what remains a major rebuild.
The reaction to the appointment of Brian Barry-Murphy as new head coach was positive, and there is renewed optimism at the Cardiff City Stadium as a crunch period of change most supporters have been crying out for is at long last being undertaken.
Granted, there is an enormous amount of squad work to be done given the vast number of player exits, including those of club stalwart Joe Ralls and Wales ace Aaron Ramsey.
But Cardiff now have a shred of hope.
As does a certain Mr. Gareth Bale, it would seem.
The Bluebirds faithful both gasped and celebrated in unison amid the news that the Wales legend was interested in forming part of a conglomerate to purchase his hometown club.
READ MORE: Gareth Bale: "Cardiff City Is Close to My Heart" – Wales Legend Confirms Bid To Buy Boyhood Club
The group's initial approach was rejected by owner Vincent Tan, although, speaking at the premiere of F1: The Movie this week, the 35-year-old gave a strong hint that he could well become an owner, of some sort, of Cardiff at some stage.
"It's something I'm a part of," Bale told Sky Sports.
"We've been speaking about it, trying to engage with Cardiff, but more news will come out on that in the future, but hopefully we can get something done."
With Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney working wonders at Wrexham and Real Madrid legend Luka Modric recently buying into rivals Swansea, Cardiff fans could be forgiven for feeling left behind within their own country of late, particularly having been overtaken by the north Walians in the pyramid.
But those in Leckwith and beyond finally have something to cling on to.
"I can't really say too much but what I can say is we are interested in getting Cardiff and obviously it's my home club, where I grew up, my uncle used to play for them," Bale added.
"So, to be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true.
"It's a club close to my heart, it's where I grew up. I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.
"I know how amazing the Welsh fans, the Cardiff fans are, and it would be amazing to try and do stuff together."
It was notable that Bale mentioned both Cardiff and Wales fans, as if those elsewhere in the country wearing white, red or amber club colours would be eager to see the man they idolised on the international stage taking some form of control of the Bluebirds.
The potential blockbuster move would undoubtedly fuel more tediously predictable attempts of one-upmanship among rival Welsh fans on social media.
The can of worms that is inter-club rivalry when following the national side would also likely be opened on a more regular basis.
But the reality is that, much like the aforementioned headline acts at Wrexham and Swansea, the association of Bale with Cardiff would only further help to boost the profile of the nation for which he won 111 caps and scored 41 goals.
And while Newport would be left to feel like the lonely cousin at a family wedding should Bale achieve what he described as his "dream", having Wales' three other EFL sides competing at the business end of the football structure would go a significant way to growing the stature of the game throughout the country.
READ MORE: Plymouth Refuse To Comment On Gareth Bale Ownership Talks
