With the announcement that they have offered John Terry a new, one-year contract at the last minute, Chelsea's directors have shifted the pressure on themselves onto their captain.
Most Blues fans will celebrate as their protests may have been one of the factors behind Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia's decision to make the centre-back an offer after they met him and his agent on Wednesday.
Terry has a hasty 48 hours to weigh up his options and determine whether or not a glorious 20-year career at Stamford Bridge will now come to an end.
The 35-year-old has been rushed into a decision, with the final game of the season looming on Sunday - which, despite his suspension, could be his final opportunity to wave goodbye to the Premier League and do a post-match lap of honour.
If he is to have a testimonial, it will also need to be organised very soon, with players getting ready for the Euros and a short break before the competition starts.
The former England captain will have to balance the expectations of the fans and his emotional attachment to the club with making the best decision for himself.
Why would Terry say no to the club and the supporters who love him so much? For one thing, he might be able to earn more than a year's contract elsewhere - and on more money, as well. Not only is a single year's deal standard practice at Stamford Bridge for players over 30 but a pay cut would be entirely in line with policy.
Chinese and American clubs have already enticed Chelsea legends like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole - none of whom were given the biggest of send-offs by the Blues despite their incredible success.
Terry will have to weigh this with his family and agent in a limited time, while bearing in mind that any decision to move to a lesser league could draw criticism for doing it 'just for the money'.
Chelsea have been under mounting pressure to publicly reveal what was going on after their skipper was sent off against Sunderland, facing his final moments with the club after 703 games and 14 major trophies.
With the fans protesting at games and the media berating interim manager Guus Hiddink at press conferences - despite him having little knowledge on what the board will decide - the pressure on those at the top of the club was hitting dangerous levels. If Terry does put pen to paper, the club will have to try to avoid a repeat of this circus around their hero's future again next summer, putting more focus on transparency and openness.
In the meantime, their captain, leader and legend has been left with a massive decision to make - but at least it should all be resolved before kick-off on Sunday.
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- Goal