The former Aston Villa manager oversaw one win, two draws and four defeats during his brief spell at the club after he replaced Sean O'Driscoll in December.

McLeish cited a 'difference in the understanding of the development strategy' at Forest as the reason for his mutually-agreed departure.

"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," McLeish said in a club statement.

"Both parties entered into the relationship in good faith, however, there was a difference in the understanding of the development strategy of the football club and it was felt by both parties that we should part company."

Forest chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi, whose family took over the club in July, expressed his disappointment at the temporary nature of McLeish's reign.

"I'm bitterly disappointed - as is Alex - that it has not worked out as we had hoped when he became our manager and I would like to put on record my thanks for his services to the Club and wish him every success in the future," he said.

The 11th-placed Championship club drew the anger of the Peterborough hierarchy on transfer deadline day when they withdrew from a deal to sign George Boyd after an "inconclusive eye test".

That led to reports of a rift between McLeish, who had targeted Boyd, and Al-Hasawi, which were denied by the Kuwaiti on Friday.