I WAS asked this week how I used to cope with the pressure; how I would prepare myself for big games.
The answer is simple – beer.
I am not talking about getting drunk; about having a skinful.
But I would sit down on a Friday night and have a beer or two at home. It would relax me and help me to sleep better.
Perhaps it was routine. Because, in the morning, I would always get up, have a hearty breakfast and then get my mind focused on the task ahead.
I never wanted to be disturbed by friends or relatives asking for tickets or things like that; I just wanted to keep my mind on the task ahead.
That was about as complex as it got – but then I did work under the master motivator, Brian Clough.
If ever there was a man who knew how to take the pressure off, it was him.
And it was not unheard of for him to break out a crate of lager for us to get stuck into on the night before a big game – as he famously did before a European Cup game.
As the current crop of Forest players head into what is a must-win game on Saturday, that is the only advice I would give them.
Don't change anything. Stick to your routine and prepare exactly as normal.
I realise it is unlikely that this will mean them putting their feet up on the sofa and having a beer or two, in an era when diet and nutrition are even more important.
But try to relax and stay focused. Don't get wrapped up in the occasion.
Yes, Forest need to win at Millwall if they are to have a chance of reaching the play-offs. Three points are the only thing that will give them a chance of getting into the top six.
But you go into every game aiming to win so, when you think about it, there is not much massively different, is there?
And if there is one message Billy Davies can give to his players to keep their spirits up it is this: You can still make the play-offs.
Forget the fact that you haven't won in six games. Put the thought that you haven't scored a goal in three matches either right out of your mind.
It really doesn't matter. It is not relevant. It is in the past.
All that counts is the simple knowledge that, if they beat Millwall this coming weekend, they will have a pretty good chance of making it into the top six.
Forget the slip-ups, forget where things might have gone off the rails a little bit in recent weeks.
And focus purely on what is still possible.
Forest's players will have a pretty good reason for relaxing in front of the television tomorrow night too.
They will be hitting the sofa hoping to witness Watford winning at Leicester City.
Watford need to win if they are to have a chance of catching Hull and making a last push for automatic promotion, so they will not be short of motivation.
With a bit of luck, that will be enough to inspire the Hornets to a big win – for themselves and Forest.
If Leicester do lose – or even if they draw – it has to be seen as an opportunity for the Reds.
Because, while Bolton may be in the box seat when it comes to claiming that sixth place in the table, they could easily slip up on Saturday.
They travel to south Wales to face Champions Cardiff – and that could go of two ways.
Malky Mackay's side will either be relaxed and supremely motivated, desperate to sign off in the Championship with a big win in front of their home fans.
Or they will be mentally on their beach with their feet up already. That is what Dougie Freedman will be craving, as he takes Wanderers there looking for a big win.
On paper, their final game against Blackpool does not look to be too challenging.
But Blackpool may need the points to stay clear of trouble – and manager Paul Ince is just not the type to allow his players to slack, even for a second, regardless of whether they are safe or not by then.
Forest can also still catch Palace, who face relegation threatened Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday, before themselves heading to Millwall next Tuesday.
Their final day clash is at home to Peterborough – but Darren Ferguson's side may still need points to avoid relegation by that stage.
And, given that Ian Holloway's side have collected three points from seven games, they are stuttering themselves.
All of which boils down to one thing – if Forest can beat Millwall, the play-off door may open for them again.
Yes, they will have to beat Leicester on the final day, but who would not take that opportunity right now?
The first priority is to go to Millwall with confidence, belief and an attacking mentality.
I'll be honest, I am not sure how much confidence you can take from a 0-0 draw against a Barnsley side rooted in the relegation zone.
But Forest did create a host of chances; they did hit the woodwork four times.
And, if they can create the same number of chances at the New Den, they have to believe the goals will come.
There is no point in being shy now. I am not saying go to London with a gung-ho attitude.
But don't let this opportunity slip by without at least giving it a damn good go.
Forest do have players who can cause damage. They have men who can score goals.
I hope Billy sends out a team to do exactly that – and I hope he sends them out at 2.50pm, with a simple message.
And that is that they can still secure a play-off place. Go out there and grab it.
