The arrival of a new boss, with new ideas and a new way of conveying them, and the departure of three players who could have been major weapons in the battle for promotion.
So where now?
For Wolves to amass something in the region of £27 million for the sale of Fletcher, Jarvis and Kightly is remarkable.
I don't begrudge the trio a return to the Premier League, and I don't blame Wolves for cashing in. I don't think there was a sensible alternative.
No-one doubts this is a challenging Championship but Wolves have to believe they are good enough to win promotion.
There was a positive mood at Molineux on Tuesday, with a victory that offered hope and excitement for the months ahead.
I like the demeanour of Stale Solbakken. I liked his fury at a misplaced pass, and I liked his instant connection with the South Bank.
And I like the fact that he has seemingly repaired the Molineux fracture that threatened never to heal.
I winced at many headlines last season, but the one highlighting the training ground performance of our captain Roger Johnson was the most painful.
I shook my head in sad disbelief at the on-field argument between Johnson and Hennessey. Like the whole stadium that day, I sided with Hennessey.
And I took no delight in the abuse Johnson received from Wolves fans as he sat on the subs' bench.
I'm not saying he didn't deserve it - just saying there is no delight in hearing Wolves fans turning on their own players.
So to see and hear Johnson receive a standing and loud ovation from the South Bank on Tuesday night was a remarkable moment.
Where did that come from? Wolves fans often stand accused of being unfairly unforgiving.
Well it certainly helped that Johnson was an outstanding performer against Barnsley, but no-one can surely have anticipated such a transformation in relations between player and supporters, as we played out the final weeks of a depressing Premier League season against a backdrop of such antipathy and anger towards him.
I'm still struggling to understand what has happened here.
Johnson has said nothing publicly, and maybe that is a key ingredient in restoring faith.
Wolves fans have respected the fact Johnson has got his head down, and concentrated on persuading Solbakken that he deserves a chance.
The heart of Wolves' defence has been too weak for too long. It should not be difficult for Johnson to prove he is the best available option for the new boss.
And he appears to be proving it.
It was really heart warming to be on the South Bank at full time on Tuesday. There was a sense of forgiveness and togetherness.
Roger Johnson could, perhaps should, be the best central defender in the Championship.
He should a Molineux asset rather than a distraction. And if nothing else, it's much nicer if we're all friends.
Where did that come from? Wolves fans often stand accused of being unfairly unforgiving.
Well it certainly helped that Johnson was an outstanding performer against Barnsley, but no-one can surely have anticipated such a transformation in relations between player and supporters, as we played out the final weeks of a depressing Premier League season against a backdrop of such antipathy and anger towards him.
I'm still struggling to understand what has happened here.
Johnson has said nothing publicly, and maybe that is a key ingredient in restoring faith.
Wolves fans have respected the fact Johnson has got his head down, and concentrated on persuading Solbakken that he deserves a chance.
The heart of Wolves' defence has been too weak for too long. It should not be difficult for Johnson to prove he is the best available option for the new boss.
And he appears to be proving it.
It was really heart warming to be on the South Bank at full time on Tuesday. There was a sense of forgiveness and togetherness.
Roger Johnson could, perhaps should, be the best central defender in the Championship.
He should a Molineux asset rather than a distraction. And if nothing else, it's much nicer if we're all friends.
