Blackburn Rovers have often been criticised for being too sentimental when it comes to contract extensions, particularly for those who have filtered through their Academy.
Whilst there were no huge shocks in Monday's retained list, the headline number of 20 departures signified something of a change of guard. Where there was doubt, Rovers have opted for a clearout.
Of the five senior out-of-contract players, there was only one surprise but with a caveat. They have bought themselves more time with Ryan Hedges' future, whilst Danny Batth, Andi Weimann and Tyrhys Dolan were always going to get fresh offers.
Adam Forshaw's name on the released list was a shock. Not necessarily because it's the wrong decision but because Valerien Ismael's words and actions had suggested he would be kept on.
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The 33-year-old was preferred off the bench and subsequently in the squad to John Buckley and Joe Rankin-Costello, both contracted until 2027. When asked about Forshaw's impact last month, his praise was effusive.
"In a tough period, he was always in front to be positive in a changing room. He has experience. He's got that energy," he told The Lancashire Telegraph last month.
"You saw how he came in against Sunderland. He was like a lion in every ball.
"He's an example for the young players to learn. Someone like that is good to have around to support. He accepts his role.
"We are very pleased to have him. This is what I said for the new season. We have to think about what we went through and what was really good for the team."
So whilst a 33-year-old midfielder leaving after the end of a six-month contract is hardly the biggest controversy, it was a surprise. So why have they done it?
Rovers have decided to push the decision further down the line. It would not be a great shock to see him return later in the summer, as we saw with Kyle McFadzean last term.
The club are keen to prioritise other areas of the pitch in the transfer planning. A box-to-box number eight profile is on their shopping list as are a number of other key positions.
Rovers will assess their budget, what holes in the squad might appear from possible departures and continue to assess. If Forshaw has not found himself another club and the stars align, he might well be back at Ewood Park next term.
If not, he has served them well as a stop-gap in the squad. It's not like Rovers have a midfield filled with young pups, considering the experience of Lewis Travis and Sondre Tronstad.
With those that have been on the periphery, Rovers have been quite ruthless too. The likes of Pat Gamble, Tom Bloxham and Jack Vale have all been in-and-around the first-team picture, making their debuts.
The same for Zak Gilsenan, who might have been worth another year, considering Rovers had an option in his contract. But at 22, it's time for him to forge his career elsewhere, once he has finished his rehab at Rovers.
Dilan Markanday was another borderline call. I expected Rovers to trigger his 12-month extension with a view to selling him. They might have recouped some of the 500K they spent to sign him from Tottenham Hotspur.
Whilst his loan at Leyton Orient has fizzled out somewhat, plenty of clubs in League One and Two will be sniffing around after his performances at Chesterfield. Given the locality and recent relationship, I'd be quite surprised if that wasn't where he signed.
Another player who showed flashes and had moments but mainly in cup competitions. In the end, Rovers have made the braver, more definitive call to say that time's up.
In the past, Rovers have been guilty of allowing players not at the grade to stay for too long. This ruthless streak can only be viewed as positive ahead of a big summer window.
They will also have returning loan players to factor in. Where do Jake Garrett, Leo Duru and Connor O'Riordan fit into the squad planning? With that in mind, plus the emergence of Kristi Montgomery, it was time for a clean slate.
They have made room for fresh faces, with Rudy Gestede aiming to deliver around half a dozen signings. Ismael wants '90%' in for pre-season, which typically starts in the final week of June, so they will need to get cracking.
A left-sided centre-back, right-back, ring-winger, box-to-box midfielder and reinforcements up front were all listed by the Rovers Director of Football as clear targets. That's before any exits.
The start of Rovers' rebuild has begun.
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