Lawwell and Reid promise to 'build again'

Celtic Football Club announced today that football manager Tony Mowbray is leaving the club. Assistant manager Mark Venus and first team coach Peter Grant will also leave the club.

Celtic chairman John Reid commented: "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."

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."

The club can confirm that Celtic coach and former captain Neil Lennon will take interim charge of the team.