Even when Graham Potter was appointed West Ham head coach in January, you couldn't shake the sense it was a decision made without complete conviction.
At first, chairman David Sullivan preferred to offer Potter a short-term deal that would last until the end of that season.
When that was declined, it is understood West Ham explored the possibility of a longer deal including a break clause that could have been activated last summer.
Even when the move for Potter was at an advanced stage, there were dalliances with former AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca and ex-Paris St-Germain manager Christophe Galtier.
Potter was eventually appointed as Julen Lopetegui's replacement, but the decision did not seem unequivocal.
Nine months later, those early cracks have deteriorated into irretrievable chasms.
Potter has been sacked, with a forgettable record of six wins from 25 matches.
To put that in context, Lopetegui was afforded just 22 games in charge, but managed more victories - seven - than his successor.
It's a damning indictment for Potter, whose possession-based approach promised a return to the West Ham traditions of passing, forward-thinking football.
Instead, fans became accustomed to disappointment.
And last weekend's home defeat by Crystal Palace - a game that took place amid a backdrop of supporter protests against the board and ownership - was the final straw.
BBC Sport revealed after the game that the club had started exploring replacements for Potter, with Nuno Espirito Santo among the contenders.
Once that happens, things are often irretrievable for the man in position.
And so it has turned out, with Potter gone and Nuno charged with taking the club forward.