Manchester: Manchester City Chief Executive Gary Cook has resigned from his post following the allegations of a distressing email sent to player Nedum Onuoha's cancer-suffering mother and agent Dr Anthonia Onuoha.
A City board-lead inquiry was issued by chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak after the email was received by Dr Onuoha, but was apparently intended solely for the club's football administration officer Brian Marwood.
Cook defended himself by insisting his email account was hacked and the message believed to revolve around a dispute between the club and the player from last year.
Now, the City board have confirmed Cook's resignation and have stated that there is 'foundation' to Dr Onuoha's allegations and have apologised for any anguish caused.
In a statement from Al Mubarak himself, he responded on the club's website: "Garry has made a remarkable contribution to Manchester City Football Club over the past three years.
"His judgment 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."
Meanwhile Cook himself has said of his resignation: 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.
"I wish Roberto and his team and all of the fans and supportive partners of the Club the very best for exciting times ahead. I would also like to put on record my unreserved thanks to Sheikh Mansour, Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the Board and all of the very talented staff at the Club for their support throughout my tenure at Manchester City. I know the Club will go from strength to strength."
Director John MacBeath will fulfill the role of temporary CEO, working closely with the Board, whilst the club search for a new chief executive.
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