1 Stuart Pearce is back
At a time when Forest desperately needed a lift, Fawaz Al Hasawi could hardly have made a better appointment, when it came to galvanising the club and supporters.
The prospect of starting the new season under a Reds legend has fans bubbling with optimism and hope.
His spells in charge of Manchester City and the England under-21 side were not outlandish successes, but nor were they the failures many paint them to be.
And Pearce will arrive with the additional motivation of wanting to steer his former club back into the top flight.
2 Billy has gone
A good manager and an even better motivator – Billy Davies had also become a divisive influence at Forest.
Alienating the media, damaging the club's reputation and seeing the Reds' promotion push go off the rails at the same time.
Making repeated threats of vengeance on Twitter, becoming embroiled in confrontations with referees, camera men and photographers... the Davies circus was in full swing.
Forest can go into the new season with the focus firmly on football, not on what barmy antics the manager is going to produce next.
3 New manager has room to make changes
Pearce inherits the foundations of a good squad but, with seven players out of contract and several more returning to their parent clubs following loan spells, the new manager will have the opportunity to stamp his own influence on things.
He has already suggested it is one he is happy to take, given his ruthless stance when it comes to releasing players.
At least ten players will exit the City Ground and, if Pearce can replace them with four or five additions of genuine quality, Forest will be well equipped.
4 Forest will be strong at the back
Forest conceded 23 goals in their final ten matches and 64 overall in the Championship – which was a major factor in their stuttering form.
But injury ensured that they only managed to field their first choice back for of Eric Lichaj, Jack Hobbs, Kelvin Wilson and Chris Cohen on four occasions all season.
They will all return to fitness for the start of the season – while Jamaal Lascelles' development this season means there will also be a fight for places.
Under legendary left back Pearce, the Reds should be a far tougher nut to crack.
5 Midfield is also well stocked
When he looks at his options in the middle third, Pearce will not consider that there is a huge amount of work for him to do in the summer transfer window.
Andy Reid, Henri Lansbury and David Vaughan are three of the best midfielders outside of the top flight and, if he continues his progression, Jamie Paterson soon could be regarded in the same light.
Pearce may look to bring in a combative, hard working, more defensive minded player to add to the mix. But, otherwise, Forest are not doing badly when you add the likes of Ben Osborn, Stephen McLaughlin and Radi Majewski to the equation.
6 keepers are good competitors
The continued development of Karl Darlow has been one of the highlights of the season.
The 23-year-old, who has performed with confidence and composure, has attracted more than one Premier League scout to Forest games this season and will continue to do so if he maintains his form.
But a key factor in that will be the knowledge that, in Dorus de Vries, Darlow has an experienced stopper who will push him all the way for his place in the side.
7 fans will be inspired by Pearce return
Whoever the opposition, you just know that the roof will be lifted off the City Ground when the first home game of the new season kicks off.
Pearce may arrive with a point to prove, when it comes to establishing himself as a top manager, but he will not have to win over the fans.
In fact, his legendary status will only give him more time and patience from the stands as he looks to stamp his influence on the Reds.
8 Forest still have strong financial backing
Owner and chairman Fawaz al Hasawi has pledged that Pearce will get 'everything he needs' to make Forest a success.
The Kuwaiti businessman – who has already been a generous backer – will make further funds available to sign players this summer, which will give Pearce the opportunity to add to a squad that is already brimming with talent.
With two or three solid additions, Forest will be a force to be reckoned with.
9 Al Hasawi has a desire to be open
There can be few club owners who would happily open up the doors of the club's boardroom and spend three hours meeting supporters.
But Al Hasawi seems to go out of his way to meet fans on a regular basis – and has even been known to join them in the pub for a post match drink.
The most positive aspect of this is his desire to make supporters happy – he listens to what fans want, which can only be healthy for the future.
10 Al Hasawi has also learned from experience
The chairman admits it was 'a mistake' to allow Davies and his cousin, agent and legal advisor Jim Price such all encompassing power at the club.
There may still be fall out to come from that. But, in the meantime, al Hasawi has made it priority to appoint a chief executive and help get the club running on a smooth basis behind the scenes.
11 Fans will get to hear from players and manager
Last season, asides from those conducted by the club's in-house media team and the odd pandering television interview, fans were largely denied the chance to hear the opinions of the manager or his players.
From the very instant Davies departed, the mood has changed at Forest, with al Hasawi insisting that all media are welcome at the club.
The local media benefit hugely from the cooperation of their football clubs, but the chairman has clearly realised this is a two-way street. Now fans will be able to hear the thoughts of Pearce on the radio as they drive home after a game and read them in the Post on a Monday morning.
12 Pearce knows that a striker is a priority
Former boss Davies stated a year ago that a striker was at the top of his shopping list – and Pearce has already acknowledged that it will head his as well.
The key will be Pearce succeeding where the Scotsman failed, by bringing in that hard to find missing element to the squad.
The incoming boss has already been scouting potential targets – and an early purchase would only enhance the mood of optimism.
13 Consistency of squad
Leicester, Burnley and Derby all benefited from making only a handful of changes to their squads last summer.
The consistency and understanding that was born from that were key factors in the success of all three sides.
With the exception of a few strikers, Forest do not need to make a host of changes. The core of the squad is there. They will not need to spend the summer getting to know a host of new faces and their strengths and weaknesses.
14 Gary Brazil/young players
The head of the Forest youth academy handled himself with decency and dignity when placed in caretaker charge of the first team.
But his lasting legacy will be the opportunities he handed, in particular, to Ben Osborn and Stephen McLaughlin.
With Brazil back heading up the youth set up, the production line of talent at the City Ground should keep turning healthily. Pearce has said he wants to give young players their opportunity. He should hopefully find himself with a few who are pushing for that chance.
15 the Forest has been put back into Nottingham Forest
The disappointment of the slide away from the play-off places has already, to some degree, been forgotten.
The memory of a remarkable season, packed with frustration and controversy, still lingers on – but many fans have already started looking forward to next season.
With a Forest legend at the helm, a good squad in place, a host of players to come back from injury and an ambitious owner, there is a growing sense of unity and positivity at the City Ground.
