Man City chief Cook resigns
9th September 2011
GARRY Cook, chief executive of Manchester City FC, has resigned amid a controversy over an email sent to a player's mother.
The club launched an investigation earlier this week after claims in a newspaper that Cook has mocked the mother of player Nedum Onuoha, who was acting as her son's agent, and was battling cancer.
Ex-Nike man Cook, who has been wirth City for four years, has driven the transformation of the club since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.
The club has named director John MacBeath as interim chief executive while a permanent replacement is found.
Lifeling City fan and Tesco Asia chief executive David Potts has already been linked with one of the highest profile roles in British sport.
In a statement regardijng Cook, who was paid £1.8m last year, City said: "The 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.
"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."
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Garry has made a remarkable contribution to Manchester City Football Club over the past three years.
"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.”
Garry Cook said: "I am privileged to have held my position at Manchester City Football Club and to have experienced the opportunities that it has presented.
"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.
“It is that factor, together with my error of judgement in this matter that has prompted me to reach this decision, which I believe is in the best interests of the football club."
