A new era will kick off for Finn Harps this Friday (February 17) as they begin life back in Division One of the League of Ireland with a home game against Galway United.
Liverpool-born Dave Rogers has been tasked with the job of getting the Donegal club back up to the top tier, but it may take time.
In an unprecedented move, Harps have given Rogers a four-year contract which is seen as a sign that the club is really building foundations for the future, and there will be a new emphasis on developing the growing academy, and also bringing through more younger players.
His enthusiasm for the new post is already evident, having brought in a rash of changes for the training regime, and he has been quick to engage with the local community.
The 47-year-old, who had been the U21 manager with Nottingham Forest, is no stranger to these shores.
As a player, Rogers was a no-nonsense defender who had spells with Drogheda United, St. Patrick's Athletic, Dundalk, Derry City, and notably Shelbourne, where he won the Premier Division on three occasions. Other previous clubs include Dundee, and Carlisle United.
His venture into coaching has seen him working with Liverpool's International Academy in America, South Korea and India. He has also managed Indian side DSK Shivajians with FC, and more recently in America with FC Arizona.
Rogers has compared the ethos of the "Blues of Donegal" to his hometown club, Everton, and is keen to further develop the bond between players and management and the supporters.
"The fact that I signed a long-term contract and am basing myself permanently in Donegal shows the ambition and vision and commitment of both myself and the Board of Directors to create a real culture and identity for Finn Harps," he said, adding that he wants to see a thriving underage academy and structures and foundations "to enable short term gains and long term stability."
He has pledged to deliver "a brand of football" that will be energetic and enthusiastic - with a desire to play on the front foot.
Sweeping changes have been made since the departure - by mutual consent - of former boss Ollie Horgan, who had been longest serving manager in the league, having been appointed back in 2013.
During Horgan's tenure the club spent six of his nine years in charge competing in the top flight, and were promoted twice.
One of the criticisms of Horgan was that he did not give a chance to more players coming through the ranks. That is sure to change.
Several academy players have signed for the first team panel which will almost exclusively be based in Donegal.
Only one first-team regular from last season, Ryan Rainey, has been retained and it will certainly take the Finn Park faithful a few weeks to become familiar with what is essentially a new team, with an emphasis on youth.
One exception, though, is veteran defender Keith Cowan. The 37-year-old, will bring a wealth of experience to those around him, and is back at Harps following a journey that has seen him with Drogheda United and before that Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts.
The Ramelton native, who will once again wear the captain's armband, said: "I started my career here and the opportunity to finish it here is something that means alot to me. I had so many great nights and memories at the club and I'm here to make more.
"Once I heard that Dave was coming in as manager, even without speaking with him I was interested straight away. The opportunity to work with someone of Dave's calibre, experience and professionalism is rare at any level."
As part of the sweeping changes to the back-room team, Rogers has brought on board Darren Murphy as assistant manager. Murphy had a distinguished playing career in the north before taking on various coaching duties including being former first team coach at Linfield, helping them to two NIFL Premiership titles, and more latterly at Crusaders FC. He began his managerial career at Dungannon Swifts, before working with the IFA's underage set-up as manager at various age groups and as an Elite Performance Coach.
He told the Finn Harps website: " I have built up a very strong relationship with Dave over the last 15 plus years during our playing careers and coaching journeys."
With bookies' favourites Waterford, and second favourites Galway United, having spent heavily during the close season, it will be a big ask for Harps to challenge for promotion at the first time of asking under Rodgers.
But with fifth place in a ten team league earning a spot in the play-offs at the end of the season, the hope must be that Harps will have something to play for right through the campaign.
Despite having been relegated, season ticket sales are ahead of last season and there is a buzz in the air about the new regime. More than 200 fans attended a recent open training session. The fact that Galway's assistant manager now is none other than Ollie Horgan will also add to the occasion on matchday one. The countdown is on.
