Celtic And Manager Tony Mowbray Part Company

Last Thursday, Celtic announced that manager Tony Mowbray was leaving the club and that Neil Lennon would take temporary charge.

They also confirmed that assistant manager Mark Venus and first-team coach Peter Grant were also leaving the club.

In a statement on the Celtic website, Chairman John Reid said: "On behalf of the Board and everyone at Celtic Football Club, I would like to offer Tony Mowbray my thanks and sincere best wishes for the future.   

"Tony is held in great affection by Celtic fans and it is obviously with great disappointment that we make today's statement.

"During his period here, Tony has always acted with great dignity as he has done today. 

"We are all Celtic supporters, faithful through and through, Tony included.  We are all disappointed at the way things have gone this season.

"However, as supporters, we will collectively build again to re-establish the club to its pre-eminent position with Scottish football."   

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell commented: "This is a very sad day for everyone at Celtic.

"Tony is a very fine man and someone who I know is passionate about the club he served so well as a player.

"Clearly, we have had a difficult season and results have not been as we would have hoped.

"Tony is equally disappointed at some of our results this season but working so closely with him I know that throughout his period as manager he has always given the club his total and absolute commitment. 

"Tony will always maintain a strong affection for Celtic and I am sure he will always be highly thought of within the Celtic family.

"He is a man who demonstrates decency and integrity in everything he does. 

"I have enjoyed an excellent relationship with him and I certainly wish Tony, Mark Venus and Peter Grant all the very best for the future."