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NOTTINGHAM Forest legend Stuart Pearce believes the Reds will win the Championship title this season.
The England under-21 manager is convinced Billy Davies' side are finding their form at the right time – and that they can not only secure a place in the Premiership, but pip Newcastle United to the top spot.
Pearce, who spent 12 successful years at the City Ground, believes that Davies' ability to build successful sides in the second tier is being proven again, with Forest unbeaten in 18 league games.
And the former England left-back and current under-21 boss, speaking at the unveiling of new plans for the National Football Centre in Burton, expects his former club to maintain their good form.
"Billy Davies has a record of getting clubs out of the Championship. He has a nucleus of very good young players there and I will be disappointed if they don't get up," he said.
"In fact, while I don't want to put any extra pressure on Billy, I think they will win the league this year. That is what I believe.
"The pressure is all on Newcastle, who have recently been in the Premier League. Forest obviously haven't been at the top level for a little while.
"But Forest have hit form at the right time. When I have been promoted out of this division, it has always been the teams that hit form around this stage of the season that have been successful.
"Forest did not start well but, all of a sudden, they have found their momentum."
And, while Forest's form may have surprised some, Pearce was not among them.
"To be honest, I had a feeling they would have a good run this season, because they spent a few bob in the summer, which they hadn't done in the past," he said.
"There is a stability at the club now, which there hasn't been in the past, and I don't believe there is as much pressure on the club as there was in League One.
"At that level, every year they were the big fish and were expected to win.
"Now, if they can keep the players fit and keep playing with the system they have got, then they have a chance. My assistant Steve Wrigley was at the Reading game and he was impressed with the way they played.
"They are playing some good football and that is the one thing that they have going in their favour. It is bringing a good feeling back around the place, which is a credit to the management."
