AS the dust settled on the most controversial Super League derby yet and arguments raged on over the result, Hull KR coach Craig Sandercock must have felt the world was against him.
In the words of his chairman Neil Hudgell, he had entered the Magic Weekend contest 'fighting for a new deal' with his livelihood depending upon results.
A derby loss is certainly not the kind of result you want when your job is on the line, and is most definitely not one you would expect to bring an offer of a new contract.
But, less than 48 hours after that huge disappointment in Manchester, and after months of uncertainty over his future, Sandercock was finally able to look forward, and not over his shoulder, at KR.
A new 12-month contract was offered on Monday and will be ready to sign by the end of the week.
And given stinging criticism of the team's performances at times this season from the boardroom, the offer of an extended deal comes as something of a shock.
Perhaps, as KR reflected on the events of last weekend, they concluded that the derby defeat perfectly summed up Sandercock's two years in charge – and where the club presently sits.
Yes, they lost the contest and it will simply be recorded as just another defeat under his watch.
But if the history books were to offer further insight into each and every result in Sandercock's Rovers reign, it would paint a very different story to just results and league standings.
For long periods – even the majority of the clash at the Etihad – Rovers were in command against Hull FC.
Hull were clear favourites, yet it was a contest which suggested that although the Black and Whites are currently on the crest of a wave – and could break into the top four on Friday – Rovers are not far behind.
In fact, had the Robins been handed the penalty from Danny Houghton's kick as they should have been, they may have worked into a position to attempt a match-winning drop goal.
It's all ifs, buts and maybes, but had that happened, we'd today be looking at a Super League table showing Hull FC and Hull KR level-pegging.
Quite simply, these are the fine margins between failure and success in Super League.
And, perhaps the Robins board have reflected that in those circumstances, it would be extremely harsh to end Sandercock's stay.
Looking back over his time at KR, the Aussie has had to battle against the odds from day one.
He arrived to find overall resources in the football department had been cut.
The previous football manager, who worked alongside Justin Morgan, had departed and he was to work to a very tight budget.
Senior stars such as Clint Newton, Mick Vella, Ben Fisher and Ben Cockayne, had moved on, and the squad he inherited, scrabbled together over the off-season, was not his own, with Shannon McDonnell and Con Mika his only additions.
Forced to start the season without stand-off Blake Green following a blood clot in his leg, and pack leader Ryan O'Hara, the early injuries to key players were simply a sign of things to come, and not once was Sandercock able to field his first-choice side, as other influential players such as Kris Welham also ended the season in the treatment room.
That privilege of selecting from full strength still eludes him to this day, and while the off-season saw stars such as Green, Scott Taylor and Ben Galea also depart, big signing Travis Burns has missed much of the campaign, O'Hara has been out again, whilst Sean Gleeson is yet to pull on a KR shirt.
With Rovers also operating under the salary cap for the first time in seven Super League seasons, he has found recruitment difficult, with the money on offer at the Robins leading to targets being lost to rivals.
Casting his eye across the river, Sandercock no doubt feels a twinge of envy. For whilst also doing a fine job of nurturing and developing local talent, Hull coach Peter Gentle has had the luxury of knowing he had big money to spend when needed.
Yes, Sandercock added the likes of Burns, Gleeson, Cory Paterson and Evarn Tuimavave, but stars like Gareth Ellis and Daniel Holdsworth are on the next level in terms of status and pay, whilst Jason Crookes, Paul Johnson and McDonnell were also well established Super League stars added by the Black and Whites. When Brett Seymour was released, there was no suggestion of saving money, with the cash ploughed straight into signing Jacob Miller.
Look on the periphery of the Rovers recruitment, and Sandercock was forced to chance his hand.
In came the likes of Adam Walker and Alex Brown, both of whom plied their trade in the lower divisions last season, whilst Greg Eden was a player still to prove a consistent performer at top-flight level.
Yet still, on Saturday, with Welham a late withdrawal and an early setback when losing Luke George, Sandercock had his men ready.
Like on Good Friday, at times they appeared to out-enthuse their opponents – something which will have helped his case in the boardroom.
Chairman Neil Hudgell is a man who often speaks as a fan, rather than a club owner first.
He was quick to call Sandercock's first season in charge a disappointment, and on more than one occasion this term he has used the word 'embarrassing'.
However, when he and the Robins board look back at the job specifications laid out to their coach two years ago, they may well reflect that he is doing what was asked.
Hudgell was the man who warned fans may have to accept a 'step backwards' in the short-term, in search of long-term rewards.
Yet Rovers remain in a battle for the top-eight – just as they did under Justin Morgan at this stage in 2011.
They are still a match for the best on their day – apart from Wigan – and a string of young, local players are being given a chance to shine.
Yes, there are big improvements still to be made, but with his future under increased uncertainty, Sandercock perhaps made a statement which struck a chord after Rovers recent 44-18 win over Wakefield.
"I'm here for the players. They are more important than me," he said.
"It's about small steps. Rome wasn't built in a day. There are a lot of young boys out there and they are learning hard.
"The future of this club is bright in my opinion, and there will be more to come if they continue like that."
Rovers will hope their coach is right, and that they are also vindicated for keeping the faith.
