All the signs were there that a big cull of Hereford's squad was coming. But it's timing surprised some supporters.
Whilst there were reports that some players wanted to know their futures as soon as possible given the club has a new manager, the fact they were told after training last Thursday no doubt didn't inspire them to put on much of a performance at Blyth yesterday.
May be the club felt that Blyth didn't matter, that Hereford were safe and a defeat would soon be forgotten.
But tell that to the supporters who made the long trip and had to watch probably Hereford's worst result since the club reformed.
And to make it worse there was no Aaron Amadi-Holloway, out because of an injury.
Before kick-off the father of one of the players spoke to the two Hereford photographers at the game. Could we take as many photos of possible of his son as it would be the last time he plays in a Hereford shirt.
Another pointer a big cull was coming.
No doubt new manager Paul Caddis will be asked about his decision at the fans forum on Tuesday evening. He may well respond with a view that the sooner everyone knew where they stood the better. There are two sides to every story.
The cull is a bit similar to a season twenty years or so ago when Graham Turner retained just six of the squad.
And following that cull Hereford had six seasons which ended in League One playing the likes of Leeds, Leicester and Brighton.