From the cauldron of Middlesbrough on the Premiership's opening day to a low-key finale at Wycombe, it's been some journey for David Wetherall.
Three divisions lower and nine years on, Adams Park could never hope to compare with the Riverside. But Wetherall's memories of his 330th appearance in claret and amber will be every bit as fond as his first.
The true professional that he is, the result of his last outing will irk. Particularly the two goals in the against column.
But City's new first-team coach will never forget the rousing farewell he received from the fans.
A week after Valley Parade said its own goodbye, the 600-strong travelling army - including joint chairman Mark Lawn in his replica shirt - delivered their own special encore.
As the non-stop chorus boomed from behind the goal, Wetherall was clearly moved.
"It was fantastic from the moment I first came on the pitch," he admitted in an emotional voice. "The support I've had since being at the club has been magnificent.
"I'm extremely fortunate to have made my living up to now by playing football. When you can do that and experience what I have, the last couple of weeks is really special.
"I don't think supporters sometimes realise the effect they have on people and what their backing does. It has made a massive difference to me and I really do appreciate it."
Wetherall's career change starts on Tuesday when he sits down with Stuart McCall as his freshly-appointed first-team coach.
The fact he has already been supplied with a company mobile suggests a busier summer break than he would have enjoyed previously with the "old job".
"A lot of thoughts went through my head when the final whistle went. The chief one was thinking that once I got off the pitch that was it - the last bit of the last game.
"That's when it finally hits you. But times change and you can't keep doing the same things forever."
Having made his mark as City's best centre half in recent times, Wetherall played out his final moments at centre forward!
McCall added to the sense of occasion in the last ten minutes by replacing Luke Medley with defender Simon Ainge to allow his skipper to maraud up top.
We all hoped for that dream scenario; one cross; one header; one emotional equaliser. Sadly it didn't happen, although Wetherall was not too far away from getting something on Paul Heckingbottom's centre right at the death.
As referee Nigel Miller called time, Wetherall was smothered in a hug by opposing centre half Leon Johnson. The respect was clear as the tribute chorus rang down from behind the goal.
McCall said: "It would have been nice if the big man had got on the end of something. But it's such a mark of the man that in his last season he has played every second of every game.
"I've told the rest of the lads that if they achieve even a quarter of what Wethers has done then they will have a good career. He's been a terrific servant, both for us and Leeds, and a great ambassador for this club.
"As much as I'm disappointed that he won't be putting his boots on for us next season, I'm excited that we're getting another coach."
Wetherall may not have had a Paul Gascoigne to contain, as he did on his City debut, but there was a Spaniard called Torres. Midfielder Sergio Torres was among the Wycombe big-hitters recalled by Paul Lambert for their final dress rehearsal before Sunday's play-off with Stockport.
By contrast, City fielded a side of mix-and-match variety. Scott Phelan was given a rare start in the week that he had been bombed out - two others of the unlucky 13, Alex Rhodes and David Brown, were named on the bench.
It looked a mis-match on paper and Wycombe needed only five minutes to show why. Youngster Matt Phillips carved through the midfield before teeing up the much-travelled Delroy Facey to score via the foot of the far post.
The lead was doubled after 25 minutes.
City had just survived a scare as Scott Loach flapped at a Torres free-kick, David McCracken outjumping Barry Conlon to nod against the bar. The ball was scrambled behind for a corner but Wycombe were not finished.
Mike Williamson won the flick-on and Leon Knight, so often a thorn in City's side, reacted quickly from close range to hook home.
Things were looking bleak for the Bantams but not that you'd have known it from the private party going on behind Loach's goal. The away fans, quite a few in fancy dress, had created their own carnival atmosphere from well before kick-off and weren't going to let the small manner of a lop-sided scoreline to spoil the fun.
They sung and danced and tried regularly to get the rest of an apathetic crowd to join in the Mexican wave - even getting McCall to join in at one stage.
Maybe the Wycombe fans were keeping their powder dry for next week. Without the constant banter from the travelling army, you'd have been able to hear a pin drop.
Barry Conlon went off with a knock to give Brown his final chance and the little terrier made a quick impact when he chased a well-placed through ball from Ben Starosta.
Brown's speed got him to the ball a fraction before keeper Frank Fielding in the corner of the area and had his legs taken away.
The fans shouted for Wetherall to take it, which he laughed off with a shrug on the halfway line; instead it was young Luke Medley's chance to mark his full debut by confidently sending the keeper the wrong way.
That was it for the scoring, though City threatened to pull level in an improved second-half display.
Wycombe always looked capable of moving up a gear or two but there was nothing half-hearted about Fielding's magnificent save to deny Omar Daley. City also had a decent penalty shout ignored after Phelan was blatantly shoved over by Craig Woodman.
On another day it could have been a major point of grievance but City's thoughts, both on and off the field, were concentrated on one man.
The banner unfurled before the game carried the words "Wetherall legend". It is impossible to argue.
| WYCOMBE WANDERERS |