Alex McLeish transfer bust-up dismissed by Forest

NOTTINGHAM Forest chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi has dismissed claims of a bust-up with manager Alex McLeish following the lack of transfer activity at the City Ground on deadline day.

Reports circulated last night that McLeish, who did manage to secure the services of Kuwaiti goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi, was unhappy when George Boyd’s proposed move collapsed at the 11th hour over what Peterborough described as an “inconclusive eye test”.

However, in a statement on the club’s official website, Al Hasawi insists the pair’s relationship is as good as ever and denies interfering with transfers. He said: “Alex and I talk every day, at least twice a day. We have a very good working relationship and it troubles me greatly that people think otherwise. I have been involved in football for 15 years and have never interfered when it comes to the players a manager wants to sign.

“I didn’t do that in Kuwait and I haven’t done it since we purchased Nottingham Forest last summer. Yes, I have recommended players to managers but the final decision rests with them, not me. We have signed 18 players for Forest this season and all of them were either chosen by Alex McLeish or Sean O’Driscoll.

“All I want to see is Nottingham Forest back in the Premier League – and if that means I have to sign another 18 players that Alex wants then I will do it.”