Saturday, November 7, 1998 Published at 13:56 GMT
Brown quits Parkhead
Last year's title win could not hide controversy surrounding Brown
Celtic's general manager Jock Brown has resigned from his post with the Glasgow club.
The announcement of his departure came less than two hours before the club's home game with Dundee on Saturday afternoon.
A statement from the club read: "Celtic Football Club announce today that Jock Brown, football general manager, has tendered his resignation, which has been accepted by the board."
Brown has been a controversial figure at Parkhead since his arrival last year.
Difficulties at the club first surfaced with Wim Jansen, the Dutchman who lead Celtic to their first championship for 10 years, only to walk out two days after winning the title due to problems with Brown.
Only this week Brown was criticised in star midfielder Paul Lambert's new book.
Brown said: "I am very disappointed to have come to this decision but it would be insensitive and inappropriate for me not to acknowledge the difficulties my continued involvement here would present for the club.
"I have enjoyed my time at Celtic very much. It has been a tremendous learning experience and I have no regrets about accepting the post.
"I wish the club and its supporters nothing but the best of good fortune for the future."
McCann said: "I am personally very sorry that Jock has had to leave. Many of his special abilities and his enormous effort and commitment to the club will be missed.
"In the meantime the three executive directors will take on certain key duties.
"Specifically, player contracts, transfers and related matters will be handled by myself and Eric Riley, the financial director.
"Jock will assist us in an orderly transition of these complex areas over the next two weeks.
"I want to emphasise that everyone at the club is dedicated to achieving a rapid change of fortunes and restoring Celtic to a leading position."
McCann confirmed that the bad atmosphere at the club had affected Brown's position.
He added: "It was clear when Jock joined Celtic in June 1997 that he was an outstanding candidate for the new post of football general manager.
"He brought valuable abilities to a complex and difficult job. His contribution was significant and appreciated especially during our championship season.
"Unfortunately in recent times it became clear to the board that despite Jock's best efforts progress in some important matters and issues had become compromised.
"This may have had an adverse affect of the current football atmosphere and the backing of our supporters. I have discussed these matters with Jock and he accepts this. Consequently he tendered his resignation.
"Jock appreciates that there is a feeling within the massive Celtic support that a significant change is desired. He acknowledges that under the circumstances he requires to be the major part of this change."