'We were that close' says Jim Brennan as he holds up his index finger and thumb to the camera from his home in Toronto.
Brennan was a key component of the Nottingham Forest team which came within touching distance of promotion to the Premier League 18 years, as they swept aside Derby County on the way - more on that later.
Ultimately the left-back and team-mates suffered a heartbreaking play-off defeat to Sheffield United, but Brennan still follows Forest closely and feels this season could finally be the one.
With Forest 10th in the Championship five points off the top six, the 44-year-old feels they can aid their cause massively if they come out on top in this weekend's 'must win' game against Derby.
"I watch games still. I watched the Millwall game the other day. It was great to see Grabban score that late goal," he told the Garibaldi Red podcast.
"The Arsenal game was live on TV here so we all watched that. I try to follow as much as I can and watch as many games as I can.
"They're playing good football. They're playing for one another now and there's good energy in that squad.
"I love watching Brennan Johnson play. He's on fire. It's good to see him getting interest from other clubs.
"You want to see them hang on to him until the end of the season and then see where they are. Overall they're playing very well and it's entertaining football.
"There's a buzz and they have to carry that momentum until the end of the season. They certainly need to carry that into Derby - a game they have to win.
"Regardless where you are in the standings it's a must win - a game to win for the fans. Forest have momentum and Derby are having a nightmare, but they've been pulling points back in.
"Every player has to win their individual battles. If you do that you have a great chance.
"It's got to be a 90 minute performance, not a 60 or 70 one. You can't play with any passengers.
"The players will be up for it. These are special games. If you can win the game your week is an awful lot better."
Brennan knows exactly how it feels to beat Derby at home having played in a 3-0 win against the Rams in March 2003, a game he remembers well as Marlon Harewood and Darren Huckerby got the goals.
"That was a big game for us. We had a great team and felt we were invincible," he said.
"Beating Derby at home was special. Reidy (Andy Reid) was on fire that match. Correct me if I'm wrong Reidy played the first one in for Marlon to score.
"Then he's clipped another one, Johnno (David Johnson) hit the crossbar and then Hucks being from Nottingham, he had to score.
"I think the other one Reidy played me in and I played it over the full-back's head for Johnno who got a penalty and Marlon scored.
"It was a great day. I remember the fans going mental. If they win this game at the weekend it just adds to the confidence.
"They've got the players and the manager is doing a great job. They're in the mix.
"Good teams get momentum. You see that goal against Millwall. You need a little bit of luck too."
Brennan is a good person to catch up with having seen the development of new Reds full-back Richie Laryea up close.
An unknown quantity to Forest fans, former Toronto player and assistant coach Brennan knows exactly what he is capable of.
"I think it's a smart signing. I'm delighted for him. He's always wanted to go to Europe and for me, there's no better club for him than Forest," he said.
"When the team is playing well and the stadium is packed, he'll enjoy every minute. The fans will love him to.
"He's got plenty of pace. He'll get up and down the line and he's got that little bit of bite about him as well.
"He doesn't mind having a snap when he has too. He's a decent footballer and he's a good young man.
"He's a good character and he's got a good head on his shoulders. It will take a little time to adjust but when he settles in and starts finding his feet you'll appreciate the player that he is.
"It's a lot quicker in England than the MLS, but there are other tangibles to deal with in the MLS.
"If you are playing in Salt Lake there's altitude. If you are in Houston it's humid and 90 degrees. Then you come into Canada and it's freezing.
"England is consistent conditions and the style of play has changed since I was in the Championship."
Brennan himself would like to follow Laryea to England in time. He spent the last three years as head coach of Canadian Premier League side York United.
However, he left recently and is looking for a new challenge in time. He holds a UEFA pro licence having completed the qualification alongside Reds Under-23s coach and former partner down the left wing, Reid.
"I was with York United for three years. We had a good season and made the play-offs with the youngest squad in the league," he said.
"A few players have started breaking into the national team, but it was time to move on for me. I'm taking a bit of time off enjoying time with me three kids looking at which opportunity suits me next.
"I would eventually love to come back to the UK and coach. I do miss living over in England. You miss the energy of match day."
