Nottingham Forest legend Gary Birtles has branded the club's current problems as "pathetic".

Alex McLeish left Forest yesterday after only 40 days in charge.

"I'm fed up of seeing this club dragged into the doldrums," said Birtles. "It's pathetic what has been going on.

"It's so sad for the fans. They were euphoric in the summer when the Al Hasawis came over, they were all big smiles and there was happiness around the City Ground.

"Now it's forlorn. And the players must be wondering just what is going on."