COLIN: IT'S FAN-TASTIC

It doesn’t mean the good old days are back or that the European Cup is coming to the City Ground any time soon, and it doesn’t mean they’re heading back to the Premier League.

But at least there is hope at the end of 10 years of despair.

This year marks a decade since Forest were last in the top flight and save for one season when a talented group of youngsters made the play-offs, those years yielded nothing but misery.

Under a new board, however, Forest appear ambitious for the first time in years. Manager Colin Calderwood demonstrated his strength of character by riding out the storm of criticism which gathered when his side were beaten in last year’s play-off semi-final defeat against Yeovil.

The Scot has shown his ruthless streak by clearing the decks of at least five players whose hard work and guile made promotion possible.

He has spent the best part of £4million on Robert Earnshaw from neighbours Derby and promising young striker Joe Garner from Carlisle.

Tempt

And there was still enough left in the kitty to tempt former Manchester United star Andy Cole to the City Ground.

Calderwood further shook up his squad by securing Liverpool midfielder Paul Anderson on a one-year loan and French playmaker Guy Moussi from Angers.

The most controversial of the departures was that of the popular Kris Commons who was sold to Derby after playing a key role.

Many past teams have seized on the momentum of promotion to the Championship and gone straight up to the Premier League.

Maybe the good fortune that accompanied Forest’s last-day elevation will make them feel invincible. With crowds of 30,000 behind them, anything can happen.

Three years in League One will have been enough to keep the fans’ expectation in check while the taste of glory will have given them scope to dream.

A finish in the lower half of the table will represent a steady return to the level.

KEY MAN: Robert Earnshaw

OUR PREDICTION: 13th