Coolant Flushing

[306Puggy]

Since I'm doing my heater matrix I thought I might as well renew the coolant as well since it has been a few years since last time. Last time I did it I uncliped the small hose above the bottom hose, removed the thermostat and just drained it then flushed it through, but this time I want to do a more thorough job by taking off the bottom hose and flushing it that way. Obviously you need to get the radiator free to access the bottom hose but I've never taken it off before, is it a front end off job or...? Also do I need to remove the thermostat or will the water find a way around it?