By late afternoon on Sunday, May 25, Nathan Jones could be a Championship manager once again.
The Blaenrhondda-born boss saw his Charlton side draw 0-0 with Wycombe in the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final between the sides at Adams Park on Sunday evening.
With home advantage in the second leg on Thursday night, Jones will hope to mastermind a crucial victory over the Chairboys to set up a date with either Leyton Orient or Stockport in the final at Wembley later this month.
Little more than a year ago, in February 2024, Jones inherited an Addicks side that sat just three points above the third tier's relegation zone following a run of 14 matches without a victory.
The turnaround in south-east London under the Welshman's watch has been nothing short of remarkable.
Charlton won 25 of their 46 regular season games in Jones' first full campaign as boss, the most in a season since they claimed 26 victories en route to gaining promotion from League One in 2018-19.
Having won 16 of their last 22 League games of the regular season, Charlton certainly headed into the play-offs in fine fettle.
And it's clear both club and manager are a good match for one another right now.
Announcing the appointment of Jones, Charlton stated the 51-year-old had signed a "long-term contract" with the club.
"From my conversations with the board and given the long-term nature of the contract, I can see there is a real appetite to build something here which I am really looking forward to being a part of," Jones himself said upon joining the Addicks.
READ MORE: Nathan Jones Insists He’s Poised For Wembley Final
Regardless of the outcome of the coming weeks, Jones' stock has certainly risen again this season.
And it appears as though the club and manager are aligned in building for the longer term, which may come as something of a dagger to the heart of Cardiff City fans - many of whom have touted Bluebirds fan Jones as a serious contender for their own club's managerial vacancy.
The same could well apply at another of his former clubs Luton - who recently joined Cardiff in being relegated from the Championship.
It all means Jones could well be a man in demand this summer, particularly if Charlton do not find themselves lifting a trophy in the English capital later this month and they remain in League One - rivals next season to both Cardiff and Luton.
But any praise Charlton deserve for their impressive turnaround has to be traced directly back to Jones and his undeniable impact.
Following a playing career which included three promotions in four seasons with Brighton, Jones became highly sought after amongst English Football League clubs following his time as Luton manager, across two spells.
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But he may well have been seen as damaged goods by many following his spells with Stoke and Southampton.
Jones was sacked by the Potters after only nine months in charge at the bet365 Stadium having overseen just six wins in 38 matches as boss.
He didn't fare much better on the south coast of England.
At Saints, Jones became just the eighth manager in Premier League history not to reach 100 days in charge after being sacked by the club following a run of eight defeats in nine league games.
His wretched three-month stint with Southampton was damaging, and could well have played a role in explaining why Jones waited almost exactly a year for his next job at Charlton.
But the Addicks' 'gamble' on Jones has paid off handsomely so far.
And it may yet reap huge rewards in just shy of a fortnight.
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Traditionally speaking, the playing style of Jones' sides combined with his own feisty personality have ensured the former Cardiff youth product has long been something of a Marmite figure in football.
But that in itself explains why many supporters from Wales' capital club feel he would be perfect to help rebuild a side that will be operating in the third tier for the first time in 22 years next season.
It might be tough to prise him away, though.
Charlton and Jones also seem like a good fit right now, and few would begrudge the Welshman another crack at the Championship should he cap off a fine debut season in London in style this month.
