It is hard not to wonder what might have been for Waterford FC had Graham Coughlan been in charge from the beginning of the season.
The Blues have produced a remarkable turnaround since the manager took over, transforming their fortunes after a run of 14 games without a win left them firmly rooted in the relegation battle.
Sunday’s impressive 3-1 victory over Bohemians at the RSC was the latest evidence of that transformation, with Tommy Lonergan and a brace from Pádraig Amond securing another comprehensive win over a side chasing a place near the top end of the table.
The result continues an outstanding run of form for Waterford.
Since Coughlan’s arrival, the Blues have recorded a 1-0 victory over Shelbourne, drawn 1-1 away to Galway United, beaten Cobh Ramblers 2-1 in the FAI Cup, drawn 1-1 with St Patrick’s Athletic, defeated Derry City 4-2 away from home, beaten Dundalk 3-2 away and now followed that up with a 3-1 victory over Bohemians.
That run has lifted Waterford out of the bottom two and put them level on points with Drogheda United, while they are now just two points behind Galway United.
They are also six points clear of bottom side Sligo Rovers and just five points behind Derry City in sixth.
The turnaround has been about more than results, though.
There has been a noticeable change in the energy and attitude around the team, with players attacking with purpose and working for each other.
That was evident against Bohemians, where the Blues produced an energetic performance from the first whistle.
Benny Couto was outstanding at left-back and was named man of the match, while the likes of Hayden Cann and John Martin also impressed, and new boy on the block Noah Mawene was outstanding in the middle of the park.
Since arriving, Kevin Long has provided experience and stability at the back, while goalkeeper Stephen McMullan has also been producing impressive performances.
Even the players coming off the bench have been adding energy, with Jørgen Voilås showing plenty of attacking intent when introduced.
Perhaps most importantly, Waterford look like a team enjoying their football again.
More than 2,600 supporters packed into the RSC on Sunday to back the Blues, and the stadium has developed into a genuine fortress during this recent resurgence.
The league table now provides a very different picture to the one Waterford supporters were looking at earlier in the campaign.
With nine league games remaining, there is still plenty of opportunity to climb further.
Waterford’s remaining fixtures include trips to Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Shelbourne, while Derry City, Dundalk, Galway United and Drogheda United will all visit the RSC.
The clash with Sligo on August 21 could be particularly important, while the home meeting with Galway United on October 9 could have major implications for the battle to move further up the table.
And that is where the question of what might have been comes into play.
Had Coughlan been in charge from the start of the season, could Waterford have been challenging for European places rather than fighting their way away from the relegation zone?
It is impossible to know, but the evidence from the past few weeks certainly makes the question intriguing.
What is certain is that Waterford have gone from a team struggling for confidence and results to one playing with belief, energy and togetherness.
Coughlan has overseen a remarkable turnaround — and with nine league games still to play, the Blues have every reason to believe they can climb even higher.
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