Whatever happens between now and May - and there is still everything to play for - Nottingham Forest are on the right track regardless.
Saturday’s performance against Bristol City was a clear indication of that.
If that's the Steve Cooper blueprint, the identity he's looking to forge, one way or another the future is bright at the City Ground.
The pace, the work-rate, the link-up play, the passing moves, it was all a joy to watch. Added to that, the concentration and intensity remained right until the end, even when the Reds’ opponents had near-enough downed tools.
In the short-term at least, it was a crucial win. Anything else, and while the race for the top six would not be over, it would be a heck of a lot more difficult to win.
As it is, Forest have kept themselves in touch with their rivals. Just three points adrift of the play-off spots with a big game at Sheffield United to come on Friday.
It was important, too, that they shook off the flat feeling from Tuesday night, when they had been far from at their best - even though the result could have been worse than the 0-0 draw they came away with from the trip to Preston North End.
Cooper admitted there was an air of disappointment in the changing room after that one; a feeling that the majority of the team had not played to their potential.
No such accusation could have been levelled this weekend. Quite the opposite, in fact. So much so, there were multiple contenders to be named man of the match. It really could have been anyone.
To say it was a comfortable win really doesn't do it justice.
From first minute until last, and from front to back, Cooper’s men were superb. In complete control. And without really hitting full throttle.
Keep playing like that more often than not, and Forest still have a chance of doing something special this season.
Between the posts
Ethan Horvath didn’t have a great deal to do, but with clean-sheets in both of his appearances while Brice Samba has been suspended, he will have given his manager food for thought.
City never really tested him. The only time the American looked like potentially being in trouble was when he almost caused a problem for himself with the ball at his feet on a couple of occasions in the first half.
Those moments aside, though, he could have had his feet up for most of the afternoon.
Still, he was confident when claiming balls into the box, didn’t look flustered and made some good decisions.
Even if Samba does return after the match at Bramall Lane, he’ll know he can’t afford to relax if he wants to remain first-choice longer-term. And that’s no bad thing.
Immovable objects
The visitors gave Horvath an easy ride, but that was also in no small part thanks to the work done by those in front of the goalkeeper.
More on the midfield shortly, but the back line/brick wall of Joe Worrall, Steve Cook and Scott McKenna was superb. They didn’t give the Robins so much as a sniff.
Defending is a work of art for those three, and they were almost flawless on that front on Saturday. But on top of that, they are also excellent on the ball, and showed as much.
McKenna’s burst down the left before combining with Max Lowe for James Garner’s goal is up there with moments of the season so far.
Cook, too, was always looking to drive forward. And he came close to netting what would have been a stunning goal.
Forest’s attacking intent starts from the back, and they have three central defenders all capable of getting the team going.
This game also really showcased the Reds’ wing-backs.
Djed Spence was back to doing Djed Spence things after going missing in midweek. The first half was up there with his FA Cup displays when it came to terrorising the opposition, capped by a delightful assist to set up Brennan Johnson. There’s no doubt those two are destined for the Premier League one way or another.
Meanwhile, Lowe showed how much he will be missed when he’s ruled out against his parent club next week. An assist for him, too, as well as plenty of probing runs, while still staying solid.
When both Spence and Lowe are on form, this team has a lovely balance to it.
Selection dilemma
Cooper admitted afterwards that it had been a tough call over who to leave out, in order to get Philip Zinckernagel back into the side.
The Dane did help address the lack of creativity Forest had suffered from at Deepdale. It made a difference having him back in the XI.
Zinckernagel’s inclusion meant one of Garner, Jack Colback and Ryan Yates having to drop to the bench, however. Not an easy call to make when all three have been excellent.
The decision was incredibly harsh on Yates. Just as it would have been if either of his teammates had missed out.
If they did feel the need to vindicate getting the nod, both Colback and Garner were brilliant.
The former ran himself into the ground to win the midfield battle, constantly making tackles. And Garner was able to dictate play by being back in a deeper role. He finished off a lovely move for a well-worked goal, too, cushioning the ball into the back of the net.
Lowe’s absence next week means Colback is most likely to fill in at left-back, with Yates returning to the starting line-up. But for the rest of the campaign, that tussle for a midfield spot will be a fierce one.
Attacking intent
Keinan Davis continues to prove he was a great bit of business for the Reds in the January transfer window.
Such is his strength, he can brush defenders off with ease, then use his power to burst forward. He got in on goal more than once by doing just that, creating chances for Spence and Johnson.
Only a good save from Daniel Bentley - who spared an embarrassing scoreline for his side with some fine stops - prevented the Aston Villa loanee from getting a goal.
Spence and Cook were also denied by Bentley in the first half as the hosts swarmed all over City, while Zinckernagel was thwarted late on.
It was a thoroughly entertaining game throughout, helped by Cooper making clear at the interval that he wouldn’t settle for his side simply cruising through the rest of the game.
He wanted more goals. But for Bentley, Forest could have got them. It wasn’t for the want of trying.
And with Depeche Mode making a triumphant return at the final whistle, it’s all set up nicely for a tasty trip to Bramall Lane on Friday.
