Football: Celtic sack chief executive

CELTIC have ended one of the most controversial periods of the club's history by announcing the dismissal of Terry Cassidy, their chief executive.

A brief statement announced a parting of the ways with the man appointed in January 1990 to toughen up the business practices within the club. Cassidy courted controversy throughout his tenure, and his abrasive attitude won him few friends.

The statement, issued on Saturday night, came hours after Cassidy's return from a three- week holiday, and read: 'Celtic have parted company with chief executive, Terry Cassidy. The Board wish to acknowledge the contribution Mr Cassidy has made since January 1990.

'However, the internal circumstances have changed and the Board believe that a different approach to the running of the club will better meet the aspirations of everyone connected with Celtic. There are no immediate plans to fill the post of chief executive.'