Almost exactly 12 months on from ending an incredible season with euphoria in the capital, Nottingham Forest fans were partying in the London spring sunshine once again.
It was a different vibe to that glorious, magnificent day at Wembley, of course. At Crystal Palace, it was full-on festivity from the word go.
No stress, no worries; the sense of relief having already been expunged with the sheer release of emotions when safety was secured a week earlier. Just carefree celebrations with Waka Waka on repeat all afternoon and into the evening, and various inflatables bopping around a bouncing away end. This was pure, unbridled joy.
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When it comes to matters on the pitch, though, this term has been just as remarkable as the last. The feat managed by the class of 2022/23 is just as special and just as memorable as that of their immediate predecessors - one of whom, Joe Lolley, is said to have been in the crowd.
Leaving Selhurst Park, hours before that promotion anniversary, it was impossible not to reflect on how far the Reds have come in that time. And how far they can still go.
Plenty has changed in the space of a year - new faces (quite a lot of them), playing style, not winning quite as many games. But new heroes have emerged, new goals have been achieved and fresh ambitions have been set.
And some things have stayed the same. The Steve Cooper fist-pumps got one final outing this term and the sense of unity which has characterised the past two seasons is as strong as ever. If not stronger.
Sense of togetherness
“Last week, because it was just complete jubilation of getting over the line, how we did it and the drama of the game, you do sometimes think, ‘I’m not sure if I took all of that in’,” Cooper said. “I wouldn’t say we were completely relaxed, but of course there was a different feel.
“We were still desperate to win. You could see that with the players’ attitude - the focus was great.
“But to actually be a bit more level, in terms of taking it in, seeing the players and the connection between the supporters and the team and the staff, we just feel inseparable at the moment. It’s just a really proud feeling to be part of something where we hope we can continue to build.”
The bond between fans, players and staff has been unbreakable. Through thick and thin, amid all the harsh realities of the Premier League, the unrelenting pressures and pundis’ barbs, it has been there.
It was on show as clear as ever on Sunday, for one final time this season. After the final whistle, the whole team walked over to the away end. There was singing, dancing, applause, fist-pumps, cheers, an inflatable on the pitch and broad smiles all round, with owner Evangelos Marinakis joining the throng.
If they could, the travelling contingent would no doubt still be there now. The connection which has been forged and developed has been crucial to Forest staying up.
Red-hot form
The goal which earned the visitors a point on the road was one of exquisite quality. An outside-of-the-boot pass from Morgan Gibbs-White was enough to give Gareth Southgate cause to reconsider his England selections, while the work and finish which followed from Taiwo Awoniyi was outstanding.
It had looked as though the chance had passed as the striker twisted and turned with the ball. But he kept his composure and lashed it home with aplomb.
That was his 10th of the campaign in the Premier League and the fourth game in a row in which he had found the back of the net. No Forest player has managed such a feat in the top-flight since Stan Collymore in 1995. Not bad company to be in.
Given he had also bagged the first goal of the season, there was a nice symmetry in Awoniyi scoring the last. But he has come on hugely since that one against West Ham United last August.
It is almost a shame the summer break comes just as he is really getting going. Nevertheless, if he can pick up where he left off come August, there is the potential for him to get even better and notch even more goals next term. The Reds still need to add more firepower in the window, having struggled when Awoniyi was absent due to injury, but they also have a forward who is really starting to show what he can do already in the ranks.
Stepping up
Awoniyi is far from being the only player who has grown as the months have gone on. As a team and as individuals, Forest have made much progress as they adapted to the rigours of the top-flight.
Few does that apply more to than skipper Joe Worrall. He ended strongly with another outstanding performance against the Eagles, putting in numerous blocks and challenges.
Cooper signalled he wanted to finish with an away win when he made just three changes to his line-up - all injury related. And there was no lack of commitment, no taking it easy or slacking off. Worrall, as much as anybody, threw himself into everything, clearly desperate for another clean-sheet - albeit that wasn’t to be.
He will feel the benefit of having this campaign under his belt. He’ll be better for it. As will so many of his teammates. A few quality additions need to be added in the transfer window, but Forest do have the basis of a good squad in place - one which can take further steps forward.
Final farewell?
For some of the group, that will be the last time they pull on the Garibaldi. Changes are inevitable.
It’s almost certain Jesse Lingard won’t be back as his contract comes to an end. But just as he has throughout his spell Trentside, he showed he has played his part as he joined in the celebrations. Even if he hasn’t given what he would like to have done on the pitch, he has been a much valued member of the squad. No sulking or throwing toys out the pram when he hasn’t played, instead he has been the kind of teammate you’d want in the dressing room - positive and supportive. That approach has contributed to the unity mentioned above.
Whether Renan Lodi returns remains to be seen. It had the air of a goodbye as he dished out some of his kit to the crowd and spent a little extra time in front of the away end, before then posting an emotional message on Instagram.
If it is the end for him, he will be remembered with huge affection. After a tough start, he became one of Forest’s most consistent performers. His could end up being significant boots to fill.
All of those conundrums are for another day, though. Sunday was just about sharing a moment. A moment to soak it all in, to revel in an amazing atmosphere and to celebrate a rollercoaster of a season. Here’s to the next one.
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