Boss Billy Davies admits he does not want a repeat of his Premier League experience with Derby if he manages to restore Nottingham Forest’s top-flight status later in the month (Forest 5/2 Promotion).

The Scot got the Rams promoted via the play-offs three years ago but arguably it was too much, too soon for the Pride Park outfit who tasted victory on just one occasion in their 38 games.

Davies will try to repeat the feat with Forest this season and says he is “desperate” to pit his wits against the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger again.

“I want to get back there with a club that will financially support its manager, a club that wants to compete at that level and doesn’t want to change owners,” Davies told the BBC.

“That’s my biggest challenge.”

Forest, who play Scunthorpe on Sunday at Glanford Park, have guaranteed themselves a home second leg in the play-off semi-finals. They realistically need just a point to secure third place although they cannot finish lower than fourth spot (Scunthorpe 9/5, draw 12/5, Forest 7/5).

Cardiff can still overhaul them but their preparations for the final game of the regular season and the play-offs have been overshadowed by developments over the future of chairman Peter Ridsdale.

The former Leeds chairman will stand down at the end of the month although he has refused to elaborate further, with a Far East consortium set to invest in the club in the summer.

A statement confirmed: “Peter leaves therefore with the best wishes and thanks of the board of directors and the shareholders of the company for his energy, commitment and success in completing the tasks that were set for him.”

Cardiff (13/5 Promotion) face a trip to Derby on Sunday (Rams 6/4, draw 23/10, Bluebirds 7/4).

The final play-off place tomorrow is Blackpool’s to lose ahead of the Tangerines’ home clash against Bristol City, with seventh-placed Swansea needing to win against Doncaster at the Liberty Stadium given their vastly inferior goal difference. The Swans then need a favour off the Robins.

There is also guaranteed drama at Hillsborough when Crystal Palace head up the M1 in search of the point that will preserve their Championship status and send Sheffield Wednesday down.

The Eagles (5/4 Relegation) lost 10 points after entering administration but will stay up if they avoid defeat against the Owls (4/7) who occupy the final relegation place with just 90 minutes of their season left to play.

Palace boss Paul Hart, who kept Portsmouth in the Premier League last season, admits he will send his side out to win the game.

“I don’t think it would be wise to pop up to Hillsborough and park outside their 18-yard box for 90 minutes,” he said.

“We have to think we can win the game and we have to go up there with that attitude.”

ToteSport bookmaker will give you £60 in Free Bets. Click here to check them out.