Nottingham Forest fans from far and wide have been wishing Steve Cooper and his team well as the build-up to Sunday’s Championship play-off final continues.
The Reds will be at the “new” Wembley for the first time, playing Huddersfield Town for a place in the Premier League and all the associated riches that success will bring.
But Forest fans don’t seem to be bothered about the money too much - instead, they are grateful for the pride Cooper and his team have restored on Trentside and even further afield this season. Many of you will be there under the now-famous arch come 4.30pm on Sunday, others are indisposed for the club’s biggest match for decades, while some will be watching and listening from abroad.
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But all have taken time out to send their best wishes to Cooper and his rampant Reds as they bid to end the 23-year wait since Forest last graced England’s elite. One Red who would probably be kicking himself - if he could - is Ralph Bosworth. Having “waited years for a play-off final”, Ralph will miss Sunday’s showdown as he will be in hospital having his right knee replaced. He adds: “Maybe a good omen as I was there for Swansea and booked my Wembley tickets before the Yeovil game. Steve you have a great team, and the players are exciting and attacking. Have a great Sunday.”
Cooper has worked miracles at the City Ground since arriving in late September with the Reds bottom of the Championship and looking more like a likely League One team and than potential members of the top-flight. And supporter “Chappo” nailed it when he wrote in his message: “Most people would say you don't realise what this would mean to me, my family, my friends and every Forest fan - but I think you do.
“This manager gets it on every level and it filters down. This could be a turning point in the history of Nottingham Forest. You will be responsible for this. This is our time, this is your time. Please, do yourselves justice - you, we deserve this.”
For some fans, Sunday’s final will bring a lump to the throat for many different reasons, as Phil Trueman explains in his message.
He writes: “A Red since 1976, and my ninth trip to Wembley, but the first without my dad. I promised to drop some of his ashes at Wembley next time Forest played there. It’s been a brilliant season watching from the Trent End Upper, so thank you. Come on you Reds!”
Of course, Sunday will be a huge family occasion for some supporters, as Tim Sheppard explains. He writes: “Thank you all for rolling back the years with your wonderful positive teamwork and ability. I'm thrilled to be going to Wembley with my daughter and grandchildren as a reward for the long trek to the City Ground, which takes three to four hours. You are a joy to watch and make us proud. Now win it.”
For others, the result is not important… or so they claim. In his message, Kevin Bolton says: "I've followed Forest since the age of 15 and the last couple of decades have tested my patience, yet still I go to games. This year has been so special, so just know this - you are legends, win, lose or draw. Have no regrets and give your all, that is all we can ask of you.”
Being a Red is not confined to the shores of the UK. Plenty of expats have also been in touch to wish Cooper and Co well at Wembley.
Andy Keeler says: “Been a Forest fan for 45 years and been through all the ups and downs. Had a season ticket through the 90s and travelled to most away games… Rochdale on a wet Tuesday anyone? I was there! Well, for the last 20 years I've watched/listened from afar - Australia, Thailand and now Florida. What you have achieved this season is nothing short of incredible. Go out there on Sunday and finish the job.”
Domenico Leone and the “NF Italian Branch” add: “Every blessing to you Steve Cooper and your staff, to the Reds, to reach your goal.”
And Terry Holt speaks for many when he says: “Thank you to the entire team at NFFC. I live in NZ, in Auckland, and watch when I can. I am loving the great vibe you have. Go and make history.”
We have left the final word to Will Sandbrook, who we assume is a Swansea City fan. Cooper, you may recall, suffered play-off final heartache last season, but as manager of the Swans. And Sandbrook will also be shouting on Forest on Sunday… in the hope of seeing the Forest boss fulfil his Premier League destiny.
He writes: “The best of luck for Sunday, hope you do it. Steve Cooper, [Forest and former Swansea assistant boss] Alan Tate and the team - they did us proud at Swansea.”
