Garry's gone: Cook has his offer of resignation
accepted by the Manchester City board of directors following an
alleged vile email exchange with the club's football administrator
Brian Marwood
Manchester City will begin their search for a new chief
executive after they accepted Garry Cook's offer of
resignation.
The club launched an internal investigation after
claims over an alleged email sent to Nedum Onuoha's cancer-stricken
mother.
It was understood that Cook initially claimed his
email had been hacked into but has now admitted to an 'error of
judgement'.
Cook has also been criticised in the past for a
number of public relations gaffes.
In a statement released on the club's official
website this afternoon, 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.
Centre of attention: Nedum Onuoha's mother Dr
Anthonia was copied in to a callous email sent from Garry Cook's
account
'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.'
The offending email, which was sent 11 months
ago, only came to light this week.
In a message intended for City's football
administrator Brian Marwood, Cook appeared to mock Onuoha's mother,
who was suffering from cancer.
Mistakes: Cook infamously labelled Brazilian ace Kaka a
'bottler' when he rejected a move to City in 2009
Dr
Anthonia Onouha was representing her son at the time and was
involved in a contract dispute with the
club.
In one email to Cook she wrote that while she was
'ravaged with cancer and ongoing chemotherapy" she was still able
to fight on her son's behalf.
The reply she received, addressed to 'Brian',
read: 'Ravaged with it! I don't now how you sleep at night. You
used to be such a nice man when I worked with you at
Nike.'
Dr Onuoha this week said: 'When I opened up my
emails and saw the message, it was the worst day of my life. Even
worse than being diagnosed with cancer.'
Cook apologised on behalf of the club to Dr
Onuoha but denied sending the email.
Apology: Manchester City have issued an apology to
defender Onuoha's mother
He said an investigation was being
undertaken, suggesting the email had been sent by a rogue
employee.
However, after further evidence emerged
suggesting the email had originated from Cook's iPad, the board
looked into the matter.
City's statement read: '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.
'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.'
