BBC SPORT | CELTIC | McCann hits back at critics (original) (raw)

Former Celtic chief executive Fergus McCann has taken a swipe at the club - ending the silence he has maintained since leaving Parkhead.

McCann, who left the position last year, is furious at criticism of the way he handled matters during his time at the club.

The Canadian businessman issued a statement which read: "I have had my family's privacy invaded and have had them endure false and damaging attacks on my reputation in the form of articles, interviews and other publications by various individuals connected with, or claiming to be supportive of Celtic.

"They have sought to take advantage of my absence and silence to advance their own agendas or indeed shift blame for their own failings.

Disappointed

"I am particularly disappointed that the club's own publications have been used on occasion for this purpose, although I have received apologies for this from the Celtic board and assurances that this will not recur.

"My position is that, at this time, I shall continue to refrain from publicly responding to or dealing with the above as I feel it would not be in Celtic's best overall interests.

"This is consistent with my practice during my time in Scotland where my reputation was at times distorted or even damaged while I took difficult decisions that were made for Celtic's benefit."

Celtic reacted to McCann's comments by reiterating their acknowledgment of what the former chief executive achieved during his time at Parkhead.

Celtic history

The club pointed to chairman Brian Quinn's comments in the company report in August, which stated that McCann "contributed to the rebirth of Celtic Football Club and he's like a part of Celtic history".

Current chief executive Allan MacDonald also praised McCann during the AGM on September 18 when he said: "Fergus McCann set about rescuing the club and with the support of key individuals raised the finances necessary to rebuild Celtic Park as the truly magnificent stadium that is our home today."

A Celtic spokesman added: "Both the Celtic chairman and the chief executive acknowledge the key role Fergus McCann has played and now look forward to driving Celtic on to the next level."