Celtic chairman John Reid pays tribute to "dignified" Tony Mowbray

• John Reid said Tony Mowbray had acted with "great dignity" while Celtic manager

Mowbray's nine-month stint as manager came to an end today following an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at St Mirren last night.

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 within Scottish football."

Chief executive Peter Lawwell added: "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."