Garry Cook has resigned as chief executive of Manchester City, the Abu Dhabi-owned club have announced. Cook had been the subject of an internal investigation after sending an offensive email to the mother of defender Nedum Onuoha. The club on Friday afternoon issued a statement confirming the board had accepted Cook's resignation.
It was reported 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. 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."
He added: "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.
Dr Anthonia Onuoha 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."
