McLeish leaves Nottingham Forest

The Guardian has reported the departure of Alex McLeish as manager of Nottingham Forest by mutual consent.

The former Birmingham boss has left the City Ground after just 40 days in charge.

He succeeded Sean O’Driscoll, who was controversially dismissed by the owner Fawaz al-Hasawi on Boxing Day despite being just a point outside the play-offs.

In his short tenure in the Midlands, McLeish only won one game out of seven in charge, and saw the club crash out of the FA Cup third round at home to struggling Oldham Athletic.

In a statement issued through the League Managers’ Association, McLeish (pictured) said: “I am extremely saddened to be leaving after such a short period but even so it has been a privilege to be manager of such a fantastic football club and I want to thank the players, staff and fans for their support and wish Nottingham Forest the best of fortunes ahead.” 

The departure comes about after a miserable transfer window for McLeish, who missed out on several targets, and saw a proposed deal for Peterborough’s George Boyd collapse over a failed eye test.

Speculation was the 54-year-old was ready to tender his resignation over this fiasco on Friday, and he refused to comment on his future at the weekend.

Currently sitting 11th in the Championship table, Nottingham Forest are now looking for their fifth permanent boss in just 16 months.

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

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