McLeish out of Reds running

Alex McLeish: Without a club following his dismissal by Aston Villa

Sky Sports understands Alex McLeish has ruled himself out of the running for the vacant manager's job at Nottingham Forest.

Forest are searching for a new manager following the dismissal of Steve Cotterill earlier this week.

Cotterill was sacked on Thursday following Forest's takeover by the Al-Hasawi family.

Former Rangers and Birmingham boss McLeish was thought to be a contender to replace Cotterill at the City Ground, but the Scot is not in the race to take charge at the Championship club.

McLeish's agent, Rob Segal, has admitted although the Scot is flattered to be linked with the Forest hot-seat, he has no plans to apply for the post.

"Alex is flattered to be linked with such a club like Nottingham Forest. Forest is a fantastic club and it would be a great job but the timing is not right," Segal told Sky Sports.

Darren Ferguson and Glenn Hoddle are thought to be the leading contenders to succeed Cotterill.