lost that loving feeling - We're not going down!

After Saturday's victory at Sheffield Wednesday our first division status is secured. It was never really in doubt, but there was a small possibility after last week's home defeat to Walsall. Many supporters, including myself, were very concerned, but after looking at the facts it was clear to see that it would take something drastic for us to get sucked into a relegation battle. Now that fear has been removed.

Before our game against Wednesday at the weekend, there was a feeling of despair and a sense of anxiety around the supporters, especially on some message boards, but now everyone can relax. It wasn't a nice feeling to have and the last week hasn't been good for anyone connected to the club. It is said that Easter can make or break your season, and quite a few people had a bad feeling going into the match on Saturday. But the lads on the pitch didn't show that they were feeling the pressure even though they knew a point or three was necessary.

Us supporters were absolutely fantastic again at Hillsborough and I'm sure it helped the players achieve a good performance. It really is a massive relief to remove those fears. It wouldn't have been very nice going to Preston needing something to stay up, but now we can enjoy the last two games. I would hate to think what mess the club would be in if we went down, but the youngsters are learning with every match. Paul Hart said that it would be unfair on his young side if they were dragged into a battle because they have played some excellent football, but he doesn't have to worry. It was a worry but now it has all gone.

Saturday's game against Sheffield Wednesday wasn't the best. However, Forest got what they deserved - the three points. We didn't play to the best of our ability but the performance was battling against a team that were unbeaten in five games before the mighty Reds outclassed them. The goals were great finishes by Jack Lester and David Prutton. Forest could, and probably should, have had at least four goals, with Marlon missing a great chance within the first 17 seconds of the game. All of the players had a good match and the result was never in doubt. The atmosphere created by the travelling Red army was excellent but the Wednesday fans were very disappointing and Hillsborough is one of the quietest grounds I have ever been to. A very good result for Forest and I totally enjoyed watching the mighty Reds cruise to three points.

The last two games of the season will be enjoyable because the results don't really matter, although it would be nice to win them. The last home match of the campaign is against Crewe and I'm sure it will be a good game because they need the points to stay up. I like Crewe and I hope they avoid relegation but unfortunately I think they will go down and they should be relegated by 4:50 on Saturday.

On the final day on the season we travel to Deepdale for our encounter with Preston. This will be a great game due to the fact that they might need a win to grab a play-off position. The travelling Trickies will be out in force for this match and I can't wait. The away support has been fantastic all season and I'm sure it will be no different for our final game. The players and coaching staff deserve a good reception because they have had a lot to cope with this season and I'm sure they'll get it.

One thing that all Forest fans are looking forward to are those East Midland matches next year. Leicester are already relegated and D***y look very likely to join us in the First Division (as long as they don't pull off a miracle, ha ha ha) so it should be a very exciting season. Although we've never really lost it, we will be able to prove that Forest are the pride of the East Midlands. I would rather be in our position than either of our rivals' due to the fact they will lose players and we have a good young team. I'm looking forward to taking 12 points off them, and then we'll see how many sheepshaggers turn up at matches in the First Division!

I'm sure Paul Hart is already planning for next season. There will be a number of changes in the summer at board level and within the playing staff. Hopefully Harty will be alowed to bring in some new faces and maybe a couple more players will leave, but I think we will be stronger for next year. Des Walker is back at the City Ground and his experience will help the younger players and hopefully we can finish in the top ten. We'll just have to wait and see what happens this summer.

So our first season under the leadership of Paul Hart is coming to a close, but there is plenty to look forward to. What a campaign it has been - although we aren't challenging for the play-offs, a lot has been achieved and the club is starting to rebuild itself after testing times. The difficult period isn't over but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Before I finish, I would like to congratulate Gareth Williams on his call-up to the Scotland squad for the game against Nigeria. Hopefully he will be fit to take part in the match but if not I'm sure it won't be too long before his debut.

I'll be back after our final league game of the season. So until then, enjoy our last two games and I hope to see you all at Preston!