Nigel Adkins has been installed as one of the early favourites to take over as manager of Nottingham Forest following Alex McLeish’s departure today.

McLeish exited the City Ground by mutual consent after just 40 days in charge of the Championship club.

The former Scotland, Rangers, Birmingham and Aston Villa boss is understood to have been frustrated at the lack of transfer activity in January, leading to tensions with the owners.

Adkins, who was sacked as Saints manager last month, is currently second favourite with the bookmakers to replace McLeish, behind former Forest boss Billy Davies.