No sooner had survival been secured than Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper was turning his attention to what happens next.
There was the sense of relief which came with the final whistle against Arsenal, of course, and jubilant celebrations followed - just as they did when the curtain came down on the season at Crystal Palace. But Cooper isn’t one to dwell on what has passed for too long.
In his post-match press conference after beating the Gunners, he spoke of the “opportunity” the Reds have at their feet. Before the trip to Selhurst Park, he stuck to a similar theme when speaking to the media. And again in the press room following full-time of the 1-1 draw.
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“Staying in the league has given us a real good opportunity now to build this football club even more than what we’ve done in the last two years. I, and we, are so determined to do that,” he said.
There is no doubt Forest have given themselves a platform to build on. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has always been hugely ambitious. He made that clear from the minute he bought the club in 2017 and underlined it further when he addressed a sea of Reds fans as promotion was celebrated in Market Square little more than 12 months ago.
But making progress in the Premier League doesn’t necessarily mean suddenly taking huge strides - at least not yet. To become established in the top-flight and then push on again from there can come from incremental steps. This next challenge is almost as big as earning a place among the elite (and surviving) in the first place.
Everyone at the City Ground - players, coaches and backroom staff - will have learnt a great deal from the 2022/23 campaign. All of those experiences and the knowledge gained can help when August comes around and they do it all again.
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Cooper will not have to contend with the challenge of integrating so many new players this time, the majority of the group which ended the season strongly will still be in place and the club will be hoping for better luck on the injury front. There is so much to be positive about and hopeful for when it comes to next term. Cooper has talked about evolving all aspects, including the playing style, to some extent.
Seeing the likes of Leicester City, Southampton and Leeds United relegated this year should serve as a warning, though. It can be so easy for a few bad decisions to have disastrous consequences.
So what would success look like for Forest this time next year? Longer term, the future is there for the taking, but if they can avoid being embroiled in another nervy finish when the run-in approaches, that would be a good place to start.
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