The stands were still full after the final whistle. Nottingham Forest made their way around a packed City Ground at the end. Nobody left.
Head coach Steve Cooper was keen to point out it was not a lap of honour. It was a lap of appreciation - and that worked both ways.
For the players, it was an acknowledgement of tremendous support throughout this season. For the fans, it was saluting a team who have given them something to believe in and to be proud of again. And who could yet achieve something really, really special.
