Marco Silva has built a progressive team faster than Fulham could finish their £80 million Riverside stand.
Despite the first foundations appearing as far back as 2019, the great edifice soaring above the Thames at Craven Cottage has become a monument to procrastination.
Latest estimates suggest it will not be fully open until the start of next season. At this rate, Fulham may be in Europe before they can admire the Boat Race from their new boardwalk. Silva's team were expected to flounder in the Premier League's rip tides after winning the Championship in style.