Is this the year? We may only be in October, but already it’s the question plenty of Nottingham Forest fans are asking.
It has been 20 long years since the Reds were last in the top-flight of English football. But with Sabri Lamouchi's men having made an impressive start to the season, there is the distinct sense that optimism and belief are growing on the banks of the Trent.
Forest sit joint-top of the Championship table, level on points with West Bromwich Albion - the only team to beat them this term - and separated by a goal difference of one.
They have already crossed some tough trips off their list, toppling the likes of Fulham and Swansea City on their own turf.
And they have shown fighting spirit, coming from behind to pick up a result on several occasions.
“They look like they’re in with a chance of being up there,” said Reds reporter Sarah Clapson, in our latest Forest video verdict.
“It’s still really early, there’s only been 11 games so far. There’s a long, long way to go yet and a lot can happen.
“But they’ve certainly shown they’ve got potential.
“They’ve made a fantastic start and have picked up some really good results. They’re on a good unbeaten run. Hopefully they can keep that going.”
A trip to Wigan Athletic on Sunday is next up for Lamouchi’s side as they look to make it 11 league games unbeaten.
The campaign is only in its very early stages, but Forest have shown they have the ability and the mentality to be promotion contenders.
Transfer business done during the summer is bearing fruit, with a number of recruits having made a positive impact and contributed to a good team dynamic.
Lamouchi, meanwhile, has quickly settled in at the City Ground.
He may have arrived without prior experience of the Championship, but he has shown an astute football brain, demonstrating tactical nous.
The Reds certainly look to be heading in the right direction. There is plenty of promise there.
There is a long way to go in the marathon that is the league campaign, but Forest have put themselves on the right track.
