It seems like only yesterday that the champagne corks were popping, the Wembley stands were a sea of Nottingham Forest limbs and the promotion party was just getting started.
Hearing “Freed From Desire” still prompts a goofy grin and elicits a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. It will do for a while yet.
What a day. What memories. What a team.
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But Steve Cooper and his players didn’t have too long to bask in that play-off-winning glow. It was soon back to work, and a new challenge to face.
This is relatively new territory for the club. For the first time this century they are preparing for a Premier League season.
As defender Joe Worrall quipped in the aftermath of beating Huddersfield Town, everyone has watched Match of the Day; they all know what to expect. But while this will be a very different beast, last term taught us a few things about the Reds, too.
The Forest way
When Cooper arrived at the City Ground last September, one of his priorities was to establish an identity; a way of playing. One that would get results and also entertain supporters. He has generally stuck to it since.
A dedicated student of the game, the head coach had done a lot of research into what works and doesn’t work for teams which are successful. He acknowledges what he asks his team to do is “hard”, but it reaps rewards.
The Welshman won’t be about to rip up all of that work now. He was quick to set out his blueprint, and won’t be ready to completely change it just because the Reds are in a different division.
That’s not to say Forest won’t be flexible. They’ve already shown they can get results in different ways, and they’ll need to draw on that again - perhaps even more so this time around.
Cooper has spoken about not wanting to be “predictable”. But playing good, attacking football will be the aim.
Play to win
Likewise, the approach to games isn’t suddenly going to alter. That was one point Cooper stressed several times last season.
He always sets his team up to win. There is a positive mentality, no matter the opponent or the competition.
The FA Cup clashes at the City Ground demonstrated as much. In the past, they might have been matches where fringe or younger players got a chance - being seen as opportunities to give game time to some and rest others.
Not a bit of it under Cooper. He believed the Reds could beat Arsenal, Leicester City and Liverpool, and stuck with the same group who had been doing a job week in, week out.
That attitude produced some of the best memories of the season, with Jurgen Klopp’s side almost added to the list of victims. The same belief will be important when up against the heavyweights on a more regular basis.
Ready to shine
Those FA Cup encounters also showed Forest have players - and a manager - capable of making the step up. There is quality in the squad.
True, it will be a very different line-up which takes to the pitch at Newcastle United on the opening day - this summer has seen wholesale changes in the dressing room. But some of those who got the club there remain.
Brennan Johnson and Joe Worrall have caught the eye of plenty of top-flight clubs in the past. The former has also impressed on the international stage for Wales, and both netted in that brilliant 4-1 demolition of the Foxes.
Meanwhile, the likes of Steve Cook, Jack Colback and newcomer Dean Henderson have already sampled the Premier League. Their experience will be vital.
There’s no doubt significant recruitment was needed to ensure the Reds can be competitive. Even so, there are those already at the club who will want to prove themselves among the elite.
Right recruitment
The signings made 12 months ago and in January were key to last season’s success. Forest got it right. On the flip side, the importance of five loanees then left the club with significant gaps to fill once those players returned to their parent sides.
It didn’t take promotion to underline how crucial transfer business can be. But it did illustrate the need to bring in the right characters, as much as the necessary quality. That’s something Cooper, in particular, is aware of - and has mentioned several times again this summer.
A strong team spirit was evident as the Reds climbed the table. There was a real unity, a willingness to work and fight for each other, and it went a long way.
The Welshman has said he wants to build on that “togetherness”. Some of the names and faces will be different, but the ethos will be the same.
Electric atmosphere
Among the many standouts of 2021/22 was how the City Ground came alive on so many occasions. And how the support was just as magnificent on the road.
The connection between fans, players and head coach was evident. It undoubtedly contributed to Forest getting over the line.
Selling out became a regular occurrence. Even more so than usual, Mull of Kintyre prompted a lump in the throat. And Forza Garibaldi’s displays were incredible.
The difference having such backing can make was apparent. Those FA Cup clashes offered a taste of what to expect in the top-flight, while Wembley was on another level again. Matches Trentside are going to be some occasion.
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