Two-and-a-half years ago Michael Kightly was still a relative unknown plying his trade in the Conference with Gray's Athletic.
Now, he stands a few short months away from taking on some of the top full backs in the world as a Wolves player in the Premier League.
The winger, already relishing what is his second crack at professional football having been released by Southend, was back at Molineux to take in Saturday's incredible proceedings after the broken metatarsal sustained in a training ground friendly during the recent international break.
Kights had certainly played a full role in the success story of Mick McCarthy's team prior to his unfortunate injury prior to the big Midlands derby at Birmingham.
His 41 appearances have include 19 assists in the Championship - the highest total in the division - as well as eight goals, the latest perhaps the most crucial in the win at Nottingham Forest.
So it would have been even crueller had he not been able to enjoy the promotion celebrations after Saturday's game.
"I'm absolutely buzzing and got a bit emotional in there after the game," he said.
"Not to be out there on the pitch was disappointing but I was over the moon to be here for it happening and seeing the lads get the result.
"But if we can go on and get the Championship trophy that's the one we all want and we'll be looking forward to enjoying it.
"Every season that I've been here we've been knocking on the door and now we've done it which is a massive achievement for every single player and every single person that works at the club.
"And it's great for the fans to enjoy it as much as we will."
At 23, Kights is one of those young but ambitious players who have proved the bedrock of Wolves' promotion push which has prevailed throughout the campaign.
Responding to each and every setback, they have also proved they've got the character to continue producing results amid the increased pressure that comes with being such long-term pacesetters.
"We've led from the start and every team that played us treated it like a cup final and wanted to knock us off our pedestal.
"Every game's been tough and it's showed great character from us to go on and win games under that pressure.
"At the start of the season we were playing teams off the park for fun and they got wise to that and the games got tougher.
"That was when we dug deep and ground out results and did what we needed to do and that's why we're enjoying promotion,"
And amid the mixed feelings about being desperate to have been involved in Saturday's momentous events, Kights is also looking forward to continuing to prove what he can do.
"It feels sweet to be looking forward to being a Premier League player," he says.
"Hopefully I've proved a few people wrong by getting there.
"Playing in the Premier League is every footballer's dream.
"I've had a lot of doubters in my career and I'm sure I'll have many more but my job is to prove them wrong again."
PICTURED: We did it! Kights and Mick McCarthy share a hug in the wake of Saturday's success.
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