Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has quit following their failure to clinch a fourth successive title.

The club announced on its website that Strachan, who won three Scottish Premier League crowns and three domestic cups in his four years in charge, had decided to step down.

Strachan said: "I have enjoyed my time immensely at Celtic and clearly I will be sad to leave this great club. As I have said before, Celtic is a special club, with special supporters. There is no club like it and it has been an absolute honour and privilege to be the club's manager for the past four years.

"We have done all we can to bring success to the Club and we were delighted to deliver three SPL titles, other domestic silverware, as well as making some great progress in Europe. It is just disappointing that we did not manage the fourth Championship. However, the players can hold their heads high in terms of what they have done for the club in recent years.

Celtic is a special club, with special supporters. There is no club like it and it has been an absolute honour and privilege to be the club's manager for the past four years.
Gordon Strachan

"I would like to thank the Celtic board for all the support they have given me during the past four years, in particular Dermot Desmond, John Reid, Peter Lawwell and former chairman Brian Quinn - I could not have asked for any more support.

"I thank all the players I have worked with at the club and, of course, my backroom team for the backing and assistance which they have given me. I thank the fans too for the tremendous support which they have given both myself and the players. I wish Celtic and our supporters nothing but success for the future."

Celtic chairman John Reid led the tributes to the club's departing manager, commenting: "Gordon Strachan has served Celtic Football Club with distinction, demonstrating great character, determination and professionalism in his role and ensuring tremendous success for the club.

"He is a man who I personally will always hold in high regard and someone whose record for the club speaks for itself. I would like to wish Gordon, Lesley and their family all the very best for the future.

"We will now aim to appoint our new football manager as soon as possible.Our aim is to regain the championship which we have dominated in recent years and restore our pre-eminent place in Scottish football.

"This is nothing less than our supporters deserve and I would like to thank our supporters and our players for the commitment they have shown during the course of the season."