The countdown is well and truly on to the return of Championship football, with Nottingham Forest’s season set to restart later this month.
After being suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the campaign is due to get back underway on June 20.
And the Reds are continuing to step up their preparations as they look to resume their promotion push.
Sabri Lamouchi’s squad now have two weeks of training under their belts, and with the club offering glimpses into how it’s been going on social media, we’ve picked out a few observations.
Back home
The last time Forest ran out at the City Ground was on March 6, when they were toppled by Millwall in their final outing before sport’s shutdown.
But they have returned to the banks of the Trent to get in a bit of match practice.
For the players, it was a chance to experience what the stadium will be like in the new normal, when fixtures will take place without fans.
The Reds posted a clip on Twitter of a practice game - and the atmosphere was different, to say the least. Even a little weird. It’s difficult to get away from the almost eerie silence.
It is in complete contrast to that victory over Leeds United in February, for instance, when the whole place was rocking.
Still, with matches taking place behind closed doors, for the rest of the campaign at least, getting the players used to that scenario can only be of benefit. Especially as they still have five home games to go.
Worth saying that the pitch and the City Ground looked a picture!
Big presence
With no noise coming from the stands, you would probably have been able to hear a pin drop during that practice match.
Voices echoed around the ground.
And it was noticeable that Brice Samba’s was chief among them. It emphasised how strong the goalkeeper’s communication skills are.
That has perhaps gone unnoticed for much of the season, in a regular match scenario. But in a quiet stadium, you could clearly hear him talking to his teammates.
The shot-stopper has many qualities, and that one has no doubt played a key part in some solid defensive performances from the Reds.
Top form
Matty Cash was having a storming season before games ground to a halt.
It was no surprise to see the 22-year-old attracting interest from elsewhere in January, including from Italian giants AC Milan.
The Nigel Doughy Academy product had established himself as arguably the best right-back in the division.
From the little glimpses we’ve seen, Cash looks pretty sharp on his return, and will no doubt be looking to pick up from where he left off.
It was also pleasing to see Tendayi Darikwa involved in that practice match, having been sidelined since the summer.
Along with Carl Jenkinson, he will struggle to unseat Cash - but it does mean Lamouchi has decent options in that position.
Meanwhile, Cash has said how much he is enjoying being back out on the pitch.
He told the Reservoir Red Dogs podcast: “It’s brilliant to be back.
“It was the best feeling putting the boots back on; the grass was green as anything, the sun was shining and it was great.
“It’s been a really positive feeling around the training ground.
“We haven’t had any football for so many months; you realise how much it means to you and how much you miss it when it’s not there.”
Stepping up
With time ticking ahead of the action restarting, Forest will put themselves to the test this coming week with a behind closed doors friendly.
They will face Premier League opposition in Wolves at Molineux, in a match which will provide a great test for Lamouchi’s promotion-chasing side.
It is difficult to replicate that competitive environment when playing your own teammates, so this fixture will be the next step up - and the closest to replicating matchday scenarios for when the season restarts.
The Daily Mail report players would be expected to travel to the stadium in their own cars, possibly wearing their kit.
It is said there will also be strict rules around parking arrangements, as well as entering and leaving the ground, to ensure social distancing rules are adhered to.
It will be a taste of what to expect when the Championship restarts for real.
