Former wide man Paul Anderson says Nottingham Forest, under boss Sabri Lamouchi, will be in a strong position to challenge for automatic promotion next season if the 2019-20 campaign proves not to be their year.
Lamouchi, a man who Anderson says has helped to bring great change to the club, has his side currently sitting in fifth - well ahead of rivals Derby County in the race for the final play-off position.
And with only fives games left to play it is looking increasingly like that the Reds will do battle with Fulham, Brentford and Cardiff City for that final promotion spot at the end of this month.
Promotion would end the club's long wait for Premier League football and see them finally doing battle with England's big boys as equals.
"Obviously, it's difficult for me when I am playing on the same day as Forest but I am still a fan. I keep track of all my old clubs," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"I think it has been a great thing for the club, Lamouchi coming in. He has taken the club in the direction they need to go.
"The club has been set in the olden days a little bit for the last few years, not really moving forward.
"But I think with the new owners, the new manager and the new style and philosophy have given them a real opportunity to progress.
"I hope they do it next year, but if they don't they will be in a great position next season to push for the Premier League.
"I think once they get there, the Premier League, they will only go on and on and progress."
