It is unlikely to be caretaker boss Mickey Adams who has ruled himself out despite the promptings of leading Forest player Steve Stone.

Former Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday manager Ron Atkinson remains favourite after revealing that Forest had approached him to discuss the vacancy.

But Atkinson is on holiday in the West Indies until next week and has said he would consider the offer and make his decision by then.

Bassett was sacked on Tuesday in acrimonious circumstances, with the east Midland side languishing in the Premiership relegation zone.

'I won't be applying' - Adams

Assistant manager Adams will take charge of first-team affairs at Coventry on Saturday.

But despite England midfielder Stone urging the Forest board to consider Adams, the former Fulham, Swansea and Brentford boss insists he is not interested.

"I don't want the job and I won't be applying for it," he revealed.

"It's flattering of Steve to suggest I should be considered but I'm just keeping the seat warm for whoever takes over."

Stone said: "From the moment Micky arrived at the club in the summer, I thought he was a top-class candidate to be manager here one day.

"I didn't think the chance would come so soon but I think he should be given the job until the end of the season.

"He's a good motivator, a good coach and he has the respect of everybody in the dressing room."

Bassett furious with board

Bassett earlier lashed out at the manner of his departure.

Mike Bushell: Bassett upset by "undignified" manner of his sacking

The 54-year-old accepted his sacking after 22 months at the City Ground as "part and parcel of football" but was left fuming at how news of his exit had been leaked out.

"I think it's rude and disgusting to hear that you have been sacked through the columns of a national newspaper," he said.

"I am upset that the club have not seen fit to deal with the matter in a much more dignified way.

BBC Sport Correspondent Gordon Farquhar reports

"I was sacked earlier in my footballing life at Watford and that was done with a great deal of dignity.

"I was called to meet Elton John, we discussed things, had a glass of champagne and went our way with the shake of a hand. We've remained friends ever since - and that's the way it should be."