Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough said he does not care if he doesn't see "another game of football for the foreseeable future", less than 24 hours before Nottingham Forest feature in the Championship play-off final.
Nigel, son of Forest legend Brian, watched from the touchline as his Mansfield team were beaten 3-0 by Port Vale in the League Two play-off final.
Clough had Forest fans reminiscing about his father before the game as he walked out the tunnel wearing a suit only to appear in the technical area at kick-off in a tracksuit - something the legendary Brian Clough was renowned for doing.
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But any hope of a good luck message for Steve Cooper and his side were shattered as a visibly angry Clough said: "I certainly will not be here tomorrow. I don't care if I don't see another game of football for the foreseeable future."
Nottingham Forest take on Huddersfield Town at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (May 29) with a spot in the Premier League up for grabs.
It is arguably the club's biggest game in recent history and has seen figures relating to the Reds' past and present sending good luck messages to Forest.
Robert Earnshaw and Dean Saunders are just two names to have spoken publicly about the Reds' promotion chances ahead of Sunday's big game.
"It's unbelievable what's going on at that club," said Earnshaw. "I was there at an amazing time, we were the last ones to feel this kind of promotion energy. We were in the play-offs twice. This is a club which everyone knows is huge yet it's a sleeping giant.
"This year it has awoken and is ready to go. Through hard work they are in the position of reaching the Premier League which is where they deserve to be. The fans deserve this, they have incredible fans. All over the world there are huge Forest fans. They remind me of all our times.
"This is the time for the fans. I would hope and love to see them go up."
Saunders added: " Steve Cooper, who I know really well, was my youth team coach at Wrexham - I did my Pro Licence with him. Forty-four games, eight defeats (as Forest head coach). He's got them from nowhere to where they are now.
"I heard Ian Holloway talking about getting the right momentum at the end of the season. Forest have beaten Premier League teams. It's in their hands.
"Thirty managers later, since they got relegated, Steve Cooper looks like he's the man to take them up. Manger of the year if he does."
