Filed under: Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Embattled Manchester City CEO Garry Cook has resigned in the wake of the controversy surrounding an email sent to the mother of the club's defender Nedum Onuoha.Cook denied sending the message, in which Dr Anthonia Onuoha was mocked during her battle with cancer, claiming his account had been hacked.
But after the conclusion of a five-day internal investigation, City issued a statement announcing Cook's resignation which has been accepted with "regret".
"Manchester City Football Club announce that the board led review initiated on Monday of this week, as a response to allegations made to the football club, football authorities and a national newspaper by Dr Anthonia Onuoha, has been concluded," said the statement.
"As a result, the club can confirm that there is foundation to Dr Onuoha's allegations and the chairman has written to apologise to Dr Onuoha for any distress caused.
"Following the findings of the review, chief executive officer Garry Cook has offered his resignation, which has been accepted with regret by the board."
Cook will be remembered for driving City's rapid transformation into a major power.
But his three years at the club were not without controversy.
He often found himself in the spotlight for ill-judged remarks. He accused AC Milan of "bottling it" when attempts to lure Kaka to Manchester failed in 2009.
And while inducting former City favourite Uwe Rosler into the club's hall of fame, Cook said he would like to welcome him to "the Manchester United" hall of fame.
Yet despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak paid tribute to the former Nike executive's achievements.
"Garry has made a remarkable contribution to Manchester City Football Club over the past three years," he said.
"His judgement in this matter should in no way lead to his accomplishments being overlooked.
"On every level, the club is unrecognisable from the organisation which he inherited and our staff and supporter services, community outreach and commercial activity have seen unparalleled growth under his direction with yet more projects to be realised on the horizon.
"On behalf of Sheikh Mansour and the board, I would like to thank him for his energy and tireless commitment to serving all those connected with the football club. He will always be welcome at Manchester City."
The hunt for Cook's replacement is already underway.
"I am privileged to have held my position at Manchester City Football Club and to have experienced the opportunities that it has presented," said Cook, who is currently on holiday in the United States.
"The privilege is in part offset however by the significant personal focus which has at times, detracted from the magnificent achievements of those working at the football club.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/09/09/manchester-citys-garry-cook-pays-the-price-for-tasteless-email/
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