SO 'Sergeant Wilko' got his marching orders and George Graham - 'bung, drawn and quartered' by the football authorities last year - became the new whiter-than-white manager of Leeds United.
After eight years in charge of the famous Elland Road club, during which he steered them to an unexpected championship in 1992, Howard Wilkinson was sacked on Monday and replaced on Tuesday by the former Arsenal boss Graham, back in circulation after completing a 12-month ban for accepting illegal payments - or 'bungs' as they are known in the game - during two transfer deals.
The week's events would prompt TV pundit Jimmy Greaves to turn to his old sidekick Ian St John and mumble: 'It's a funny old game, innit Saint?' Indeed it is in this case - and for a number of reasons.
Just over a year ago, Wilkinson made a personal appearance at the FA-conducted 'bungs trial' of Graham to act as a character witness. Now Graham has his job and Wilkinson has his pay-off.
But while Wilkinson can walk away from Elland Road with his head held high, pride and dignity intact, this will never be the case for Graham after his dishonest dealings.
Two weeks ago, Graham turned down the chance to succeed Alan Ball as manager of First Division Manchester City, despite earlier declaring an interest in the job.
'It's not the right time for me,' said Graham, who waited in the wings as his big mate Wilko suffered under the Premiership spotlight. He didn't have to wait long.