Coventry City have brutally released Fankaty Dabo just three days after he was the only player to miss his penalty in the Championship play-off final.
It was a neutral's dream and nightmare in equal measure on Saturday afternoon with both Coventry and Luton Town having romantic stories in their attempts to reach the Premier League.
It was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved, especially for Luton whose captain Tom Lockyer was subbed off after just 10 minutes when he collapsed.
The game went down to a penalty shoot-out after Jordan Clark had opened the scoring for the Hatters and Gustavo Hammer equalised for Coventry.
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Rob Edwards became the first manager to be sacked by a Championship club and then secure promotion in the same season when Luton won the spot kicks.
There was a great example of composure and finishing on show from both sides as 11 of the 12 efforts were put away and only one was missed.
That was unfortunately right back Dabo, who smashed his attempt well over the bar and kicked off amazing scenes behind the goal from the victorious fans.
Now the 27-year-old has been told by his club that he is one of the seven senior players being released by Coventry at the end of the season.
The club confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "Coventry City Football Club can confirm the players who will be leaving the Sky Blues following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.
"Fankaty Dabo, Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Martyn Waghorn and Tyler Walker will all leave the Sky Blues following the conclusion of their contracts.
"...Fankaty Dabo joined the Sky Blues in June 2019 and would be a key part of the side that won the 2019/20 League One title, earning the Player of the Year award in the campaign too.
"Moving with the Club up to the Championship, Dabo remained a popular figure with fans, players and staff alike and would go on to make a total of 131 appearances for Coventry City."
The news feels like a direct contrast to Luton's Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, who has played for the club at every level from the National League up.
After the match Mpanzu gave a brilliant interview and excitedly claimed: "I feel like I've completed football, man!"
Topics: EFL Championship, Premier League, Luton Town, Football
Ryan Sidle