19th March 1996 was the most recent appearance by Nottingham Forest in European football. That night at the City Ground a single Steve Stone goal offered little consolation against a sensational Bayern Munich side including Papin, Matthaus and Kilinsmann and who had already scored five on the night towards a 7-2 aggregate win in the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Cup, or what you might now know is called, the Europa League.

It’s been a bloody long time. Those of us who experienced the lows during second and third tier tarnishing with Platt, Megson, Hughton and co, those that put our good name out of sight for many, from long fading memories of better years under Brian Clough, in particular, and of course Frank Clark. There’s not many who remember Johnny Carey’s reds reaching Europe in the sixties, but only three previous Managers have done it, now add Nuno to that list too.

The 2-2 draw with Leicester whilst frustrating, a chance missed, ensured Forest will be going to Europe next season. It might not have been the result they wanted, it might not be for the competition they hope to aim for, but Europe is Europe and with hindsight give anyone in red a pop at the Conference or Europa League in August and they would have snapped that hand off on the simple basis their club has again avoided relegation, which many outside of Nottingham circles tipped would happen. The Tricky Trees have instead flirted with the Champions League placings only in recent weeks to have faltered their fine season, but this is a club continuing to make progress, to carry on in creating history, and to give their supporters days to remember, just like what our parents and grandparents often remind us of, when times like this happened a little more regularly.

Forest still have two Premier League games to go. According to Sky Sport Statistics they have a 17% chance of reaching the Champions League next season, but in certain terms you would think two wins could do it. West Ham (a) then Chelsea at home, it could be winner takes all?

If not to be, however, it’s still Europe at least, a chance to win a continental trophy and if it’s the Europa League, winning that, as Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur will find out later this month, then it’s Champions League football for sure. Forest remember have done the double on both Spurs and Man Utd, which means that is a very winnable competition should the Reds only manage a sixth placed Premier League finish and enter Europa territory level 2 next season.

Even seventh, where Forest currently lie, has you a pop at the continents third prize on offer, not near as exciting is the Conference League, but it might prop up some random away days, and who doesn’t love a Thursday night in Azerbaijan? Chelsea are currently in the final against Real Betis in this years version, like the Europa League, for a club like Forest, it is a very winnable prize.

The piece de resistance though, is the Champions League, and some fickle fans might credit Forest with failure after their fine start, from letting slip a season which was in their hands, a top five slot has always looked assured, and Champions League football for that, but in reality, the Reds even if they do get the job done, they won’t be winning the Champions League any time soon, and whilst Real Madrid and Barcelona might be great to host and visit, having a competition that the Reds can win next season, might not be a bad alternative after all?

We still want that top five finish, of course we do, but being back in Europe after 29 years is a pretty big thing. Let’s not take anything for granted, and try to embrace the moment, whatever the outcome, because the memories of success will one day be just that. Just memories. Take that, from a long suffering Forest fan who’s seen both ends of success and failure.

*Article provided by Daniel Peacock (Editor).

*Main image @NFFC Chris Wood celebrates his twentieth goal this season v Leicester.