John Hartson: Garry Cook should never work in football again

Posted Saturday, September 10, 2011 by The Sun

John Hartson: Garry Cook should never work in football again
DOOMED ... Garry Cook and City's chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak

JOHN HARTSON insists disgraced Garry Cook should NEVER work in football again.

The ex-Wales star — who bravely battled testicular cancer two years ago — was appalled by the vile e-mail sent by the Manchester City chief executive.

Cook's sickening message to Dr Anthonia Onuoha — the mother of City star Nedum — left her distraught. But last night he quit his £1.5million-a-year job over the storm which was exclusively revealed by SunSport this week.

Former Wimbledon, West Ham and Celtic striker Hartson said: "No one likes to see anyone lose their job in football — but this simply had to happen.

"I'm not one for kicking a man when he's down, but I have no sympathy for Cook whatsoever. He only has himself to blame. Man City should have sacked him on the spot.

"To send a sick e-mail about a poor woman battling against cancer is despicable. He should hang his head in shame.

"He should have been man enough to take responsibility for his actions as soon as the story broke. But then we're talking about someone who is the lowest of the low.

"City are well rid of him as far as I'm concerned. He'll struggle to get another job in football and quite rightly so.

"He'll maybe want to take a break from the game anyway, but it might end up being a longer break than he anticipates.

"This isn't the first time he's been involved in something stupid — he's got previous in terms of stepping out of line.

"Within the game he's regarded as a clown — and this only underlines that perception."

City insist Cook will always be welcome back at the club.

But Hartson, 34, added: "They should be kicking him out and telling him never to return.

"The man is a disgrace to himself and has dragged the good name of Man City into the gutter. In all fairness he was pivotal in attracting some star names to the Etihad.

"In many ways he deserves a lot of credit for the job he has done as chief executive — up until now.

"But Cook undermined all that good work. You just cannot defend his actions and for me the club should have handled it better.

"I said earlier in the week he should have been fired. But instead they waited for him to resign.

"Maybe that's just their way to part ways amicably.

"Ultimately he's lost his highly-paid job and I suppose that's the only thing that matters.

"No one like that should deserve to earn a good living from football when they treat people like this."

Hartson (below) has huge sympathy for Onuoha's mother after having to deal with the controversy.

He added: "I know what it's like to be ill with cancer. I was quite literally on my deathbed and fortunately managed to pull through the other side.

"My family were worried sick and it affected everyone around me in a terrible way.

"That's what people on the outside don't think about — cancer has devastating consequences on people who have to deal with it, but also their loved ones.

"I just hope all this makes her stronger and able to face the challenges ahead. Cancer is a horrible disease which can strike at any moment. No one should be blase about it because it can hit anyone at any moment."

City director John MacBeath will fill the role of temporary chief executive while a replacement is sought.

Former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is the bookies' favourite to take over on a permanent basis.

City legend Dennis Tueart said: "The decision to replace Garry had to be taken very quickly because once there is an instability in the boardroom, it will quickly spread to the dressing room and then on the playing surface.

"The owners will want to continue the momentum being built here, so they will be looking for someone who is highly experienced at running a football club."

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Garry has made a remarkable contribution to Manchester City over the past three years.

"His judgement in this matter should in no way lead to his accomplishments being overlooked."