WHEN it comes to his preparations for Saturday, little has changed for Stuart Pearce.
As Nottingham Forest prepare to face Blackpool, two of his best young players will still be available.
Karl Darlow, in particular, is almost certain to run out onto the City Ground pitch, shortly before 3pm, ready to face the Tangerines.
The only difference is that he will do so, officially, as a Newcastle United player.
Jamaal Lascelles, equally, will have a part to play in the Reds squad, this coming season, once he has gained full match fitness, following his knee injury.
But the questions still remain. What does the decision to sell two of their prize assets, just a week before the season starts, say about Forest?
Will the sale of two of Forest's brightest young players have a wider impact?
Well, yes it will. But it may not be massive. It certainly does not spell the end of their promotion ambitions.
Yes, it will raise questions, in some people's eyes, over their ambitions overall.
It may also have damaged what had started to look like a harmonious relationship between manager and owner.
But every player has a price tag on their heads; a figure at which their club will be willing to do business.
And, clearly, Newcastle have matched Forest's.
Bringing both young men back to the club, on a season-long loan, is a wise move for everyone.
Forest get to retain the services of two of their best young players, for another season.
And Newcastle know they will be well looked after; that their footballing education will be extended in good, familiar surroundings. Better here, playing football, than sat in the stands at St James' Park.
But, for Pearce, it may have been something of an eye opener; a reminder that every club, outside of the top flight, has a price when it comes to their better players.
Whether Forest got the right money for the duo is something that will be judged in time. Tellingly, the manager does not think they did.
The final decision over this particular figure being high enough was one made by the club hierarchy, rather than the manager. That is not healthy.
What may prove to be of more significance – particularly for Pearce – is how the money is reinvested.
Some of it will doubtless be put towards addressing the issue of Financial Fair Play.
If Forest do not fall within permitted losses – thought to be in the region of £6m – when they submit their figures to the Football League, they could be hit with fines and a transfer embargo in January.
On that front, this money could be invaluable.
But Pearce will also want some of it to be reinvested in the playing squad.
Having allowed so many players to leave over the summer, with Rafik Djebbour, Darius Henderson and Radi Majewski following the ten or so out-of-contract players out of the exit in recent weeks, Forest do not possess strength in depth.
They still have quality, but they lack numbers. At least two or three new additions are required. Possibly more.
Particularly if Simon Cox is the next out of the door, with several clubs interested in the striker and Forest open to the idea of allowing him to leave, if the right deal is offered.
Just as important is the message that Pearce will want to send out to other clubs who might be eyeing up their better players.
More fringe players may yet become part of the cull that has seen Pearce look to create a more unified atmosphere in the dressing room.
The former England defender was famed for his commitment and drive and he has been clear in his desire to see the same qualities reflected in every player who pulls on the Garibaldi red now.
Those players he does not believe possess that attitude have been swiftly moved on.
But there are others Forest will want to fight to keep.
Henri Lansbury, most notably, has been the subject of plenty of speculation this summer, with Burnley, Wigan, Fulham and QPR all said to be among his potential suitors.
Forest may have been persuaded to do business with Newcastle, but now Pearce will want to send out the clear message that the rest of Forest's assets are not up for plunder.
The 'for sale' signs have most definitely not been put up around the City Ground, just because they have been coaxed into doing business with Newcastle.
But there is no question that the optimistic mood; the positivity that had been generated by the prospect of seeing Pearce return to the home dug-out when the Championship season kicks off on Saturday, has been dented a little.
No manager should find out that a player has been sold from the player himself.
And the fact that both Darlow and Lascelles are products of the academy and, in the defender's case, also a Nottingham man, only adds to the disappointment among supporters, who love to see homegrown talent flourish.
But they will still get that opportunity in the coming months, with both men still set to have a big role in the coming campaign.
Forest, with a few new additions, are still equipped to challenge. The dream has not died.
And what Forest will hope is that, come May, it is not just Darlow and Lascelles who are contemplating a future in the Premier League.
But that they too, as a club, will be preparing to test themselves in the top flight once again.
And, if Forest can secure their own seat at the top table – and the financial windfall that comes with it – then they may soon be the ones in a position to pick off the brightest young talent at other clubs.
