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Garry Cook resigns over Onuoha email scandal

Garry Cook has resigned from Manchester City © PA Photos

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Garry Cook has resigned as chief executive of Manchester City after the club completed their investigation into allegations he sent an offensive email to the mother and agent of a player.

Cook attracted negative headlines earlier in the week after accusations from Dr Anthonia Onuoha that he sent her an offensive email that mocked her cancer.

After Dr Onuoha informed football administrator Brian Marwood that she would continue to negotiate the new contract of her son, Nedum, last summer despite being "ravaged with cancer", Cook reportedly replied accidently to her rather than Marwood: 'Ravaged with it!!!... I don't know how you sleep at night. You used to be such a nice man when I worked with you at nike (sic)".

The club launched an inquiry into the matter after Cook immediately claimed to have been the victim of a hacker, and have subsequently found that "there is foundation to Dr Onuoha's allegations", according to a statement.

The club have apologised to Dr Onuoha, and accepted Cook's subsequent offer to resign "with regret".

"I am privileged to have held my position at Manchester City Football Club and to have experienced the opportunities that it has presented," Cook said in a statement. "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."

Cook has been a controversial figure at the club for some of his statements - notably accusing then AC Milan midfielder Kaka of "bottling" a move to City - but has been widely credited with overhauling the infrastructure at Etihad Stadium and taking the club to another level off the pitch.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak added: "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 [owner] 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."

While the club search for a new chief executive, director John MacBeath will fulfill the role on a temporary basis.

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