Neal Ardley sent his sympathy to Nottingham Forest after their play-off hopes imploded on a dramatic final day but insisted it does not add any extra pressure on Notts County’s own quest for success.
Needing just a point to secure their place in the top six of the Championship on the final day, Forest were thumped 4-1 by Stoke at the City Ground, while Swansea won by the same score at 10-man Reading.
That led to an incredible six-goal swing in 25 minutes which left Forest outside of the play-off positions despite needing just one draw in their last two games to have a chance of fighting for promotion.
As the post-mortem continued at length today, with manager Sabri Lamouchi’s future under the spotlight, it has left Notts flying the flag for the city in fighting for a glorious end to the season as they chase a Football League return.
They face Barnet in the National League play-off semi-final on Saturday knowing victory will take them to Wembley and one win away from rejoining the 72-club.
But Notts boss Ardley insisted what happened at their neighbours on Wednesday would not leave his team under extra pressure to be successful.
“I was gutted for Forest last night,” he said.
“I really hoped the city, and its community, the whole of Nottingham could have a really exciting end to the season.
“I’m gutted for all their staff and players.
“We’ve built a good relationship with them over the last year.
“It hurts. We will try to do our part and try to get some of the Nottingham community to have smiles on their faces.
“My heart goes out to them.
“But I don’t feel added any pressure, I put enough of that on myself.”
