REAL Mallorca's majority shareholder Lorenzo Serra Ferrer called a hastily-convened press conference at the Son Moix on Monday night.
He announced the not-unexpected news that 58-year-old Joaquin Caparros had been dismissed.
If that news was expected the appointment of his successor most certainly wasn't.
-year-old Gregorio Manzano from Bailén in Andalucia will take over the coaching reigns until the end of the season and, depending on results, next season as well. It's his third spell at the Palma club.
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Nicknamed The Professor because of his psychology skills, as well as being a master tactician, it's a popular choice as far as the fans are concerned.
He came to Real Mallorca first of all in season 2001/02 and led the team to a Copa del Rey final when we beat Recreativo Huelva 3-0 in 2003. Beating Real Madrid 1-5 at the Bernabeu was one of Real Mallorca's most memorable wins under Gregorio in that same year.
He then left for At. Madrid where they finished 7th before results forced him out and he moved on for a short spell at Malaga.
On 15 February 2006, Manzano came back to Palma to replace Hector Cuper.
He stayed for three years and in 2009/10 Mallorca won its first 10 games eventually losing only three at home out of 19. It was most certainly fortress Son Moix back then.
In February 2006 with Mallorca bottom of La Liga on 19 points, the then coach Hector Cuper walked away from the club. Manzano replaced him and after four games at the helm, we'd climbed to 15th place and stayed there until the end of the season, when we finished with 40 points so it can be done.
In 2010 it was announced that Mallorca wouldn't renew his contract despite our having a great season. The club entered administration and Manzano moved on to Sevilla.
He led them to fifth place before being offered the vacancy once again at At. Madrid.
He terminated his time at the Vicente Calderon in December 2011 and hasn't been coaching since, so was a free agent.
Gregorio Manzano's niche was at Real Mallorca where he had his most successful time as a football coach. He's a quiet man and totally unlike the extrovert that was Caparros.
He is, however, just the man to steady a sinking ship - a strong hand at the tiller. There's no doubt Caparros is a brilliant and passionate football coach but his time was up at the Son Moix. He couldn't do any more for the team and has left on good terms with everybody.
From a fan's point of view, I'm delighted Manzano (Spain's most experienced coach) is coming home. He's up there with Cuper and Aragones as one of the best three coaches to have worked miracles at the Son Moix on a shoestring budget.
If anybody can turn Mallorca's season around, it's Gregorio Manzano.
His first miracle will hopefully happen on Saturday when we face Osasuna in an absolutely crucial home game against another side who are battling against relegation.
Caparros made an emotional official statement at his last press conference on Monday night. To each and every member of this club, president, advisers, employees and fans, I want to thank you all because from day one I have felt part of the Real Mallorca family.
Today, just as my time as coach ends, and after a huge draining of energy, I feel the sadness of not being able to secure results. We've put in lots of hard work over the past 16 months. I wanted a long-term project and have worked many days for this purpose.
But, in the world of football, what counts are results and they have not arrived.
I think it is important to also send my support to the team.
They are a great group, hard working and with tremendous quality. They will take this project forward, I've no doubt. You will always be in my heart. he added.
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