Then
Forest could start preparing for the play-off games properly,
without risking any costly injuries or having to use up energy
needlessly. Derby, Stoke, Grimsby, Brighton and Wednesday can all
have a sack race to decide who stays up (judging by the amount of
times their players fell over last Wednesday, Derby would almost
certainly lose), and the other teams can start finding summer
jobs for the players to raise extra cash - and everyone's happy.But somehow I doubt the Football League will accept my proposals, so it looks like Forest will just have to go through the motions eight more times before they can take their rightful place in the play-off semi-finals.
But on the basis of last week's performances, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. They say we've got some tough games between now and the season's end, but they also said the Norwich game would be a toughy, and look how we breezed through that one.
Our recent form suggests that it will take a lot to beat us, even for Leicester City on April 8. Don't let the dropped points against Grimsby and Brighton fool you - it is quite clear that Forest allowed these two teams get results from us in a clever ploy to increase the chances of Derby getting relegated.
The defeat of Norwich was the sixth time the Reds have scored four or more goals in a match this season. What odds on that at the begining of the season?
Marlon Harewood needs just another couple of goals to slot in behind David Johnson as the division's top-scorer. Who would have backed either of these pair to be heading the charts back in August, let alone both of them?!
And who would have predicted that Gareth Williams and Jim Brennan would find themselves amongst the goals... on the same day!?
The signs are there: Forest are clearly destined to beat the odds and get promotion to the Premiership.
So, friends, book your flight, train, taxi, bus, whatever, to Cardiff and spend the rest of the season relaxing and enjoying Forest playing some of their best football since the days of Brian Clough.
Watching Forest beat Norwich on Saturday was somewhat like watching a musical on the television. For a start, the sun was shining throughout. But mostly because, although it was thoroughly entertaining and at times exciting, you always knew it was going to have a happy ending where everyone broke out in song and danced around a bit.
If the rest of the season is like that, there won't be many complaints from me. But as Forest cruise towards the Premiership, you might want to find something a bit more gritty to keep your interests. Perhaps anti-supporting Leeds United, in the hope that they get relegated, thus making them a less appealing job for Paul Hart?