Eight points adrift of the top six, in 11th place - it’s not where Nottingham Forest would have liked to be heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
The Reds’ play-offs hopes have all but been brought to a crashing halt as a result of three straight defeats, with Martin O’Neill’s side toppled by Blackburn Rovers last time out.
But while their promotion dreams may have been dashed, the importance of these last four games should not be underestimated. Here’s our take on it….
Signing off for the summer
Ultimately, this term has not lived up to expectations. It began with such hope and anticipation, and now is in danger of petering out to a dismal end, if results continue in the same vein.
It would be a sorry way to sign off for the break, if Forest cannot halt their current run. No-one wants it to end that way.
But there is still time for things to change.
They may not be able to finish as high up the table as they would have hoped, but the Reds can still give themselves something to build on. They can still inspire some positivity to take into the off-season.
The nature of their recent performances has come in for criticism - Forest are better than that, and they need to show it.
Unrest in the stands
Boos rang out at half-time and, even more so, at full-time on Saturday as a packed City Ground delivered their verdict on what they had just witnessed. On social media, it has been even more damning.
Some have made it clear where they stand on the manager, calling for European Cup winner O’Neill to be given the boot.
After a string of uninspiring performances and dismal results, the mood is dark.
Whether O’Neill can win over any of those fans demanding his head is perhaps up for debate - it may take more than a few decent displays. But he could really do with a positive run-in nevertheless.
A first away win since November; back-to-back victories for the first time since September, if he could oversee either of those, it might just help to lift spirits a little.
Nottingham Forest defender Jack Robinson calls for more 'concentration' as Reds aim to end run
Fighting for their futures
O’Neill has already made it clear that players can still influence their summer fate in the remaining games - decisions are not yet set in stone.
Some players are under contract, of course, but there are those whose deals are set to come to an end, as well as loan players who are due to head back to their parent clubs.
The jury may still be out on the likes of Molla Wague, Pele and Saidy Janko, whose loan spells have been something of a mixed bag.
This is almost a final audition for some players, an opportunity to convince the manager they should be part of his plans.
There are some big calls to be made. Given how the last few outings have gone, perhaps there may also be some big performances needed.
Professional pride
Whether they are fighting for the chance to stay at the City Ground or not, there should still be no downing of tools from those wearing the Garibaldi.
That’s not to suggest that has been the case, but collectively and individually, the Reds have been below par of late. They have not played to the level they are capable of. Both management and players have to take responsibility for that.
If Forest have got anything about them however, and if the players have the right attitude, they should be eager to put that right in the last few weeks.
That’s where professional pride comes in.
Ironing things out
O’Neill has tried different systems and formations; he has mixed and matched his team.
That flexibility can be a positive. The ability to adapt can help overcome different challenges and different types of opposition.
And, while it may not appease everybody, there is some logic behind wanting to experiment.
But, having said all of that, the Reds still seem like a team searching for an identity at times. In part, that may be because O’Neill has yet to really put his stamp on the squad, having arrived in January.
He will have his own targets for the summer; his own idea of where he needs to strengthen.
But as much as these next few games can be a chance to try things, they also offer an opportunity to consider the longer term, to set out a plan, to make it easier to hit the ground running come August.
There is much Forest need to improve on, and now is as good a time as any to start.
