Celtic's chief executive Dominic McKay - who helped recruit new boss Ange Postecoglou - steps down for personal reasons after just TWO MONTHS into the role

• Celtic have confirmed chief executive Dom McKay resigned for personal reasons
• McKay only took over at the Parkhead club from Peter Lawwell this summer 
• Michael Nicholson, Celtic director of legal and football affairs, is acting CEO 

Dom Mckay dropped a bombshell on Celtic by quitting the club 'for personal reasons' barely two months after becoming chief executive.

Hired as Peter Lawwell's long-term successor in January, news of the former Scottish Rugby chief operating officer's decision to stand down was relayed to the Stock Market shortly before the close of business.

A lifelong Celtic supporter, McKay had worked in tandem with Lawwell since April. He was to officially assume control on July 1 but took the reins when Ange Postecoglou was unveiled as Neil Lennon's managerial successor on June 10. 

Although 42-year-old McKay's departure comes shortly after the closure of a transfer window that has delivered 12 new signings, the development is an untimely blow to the club - just when it appeared that a period of huge transition at all levels at Celtic Park was beginning to settle down.

His position will be filled in the short-term by club legal chief Michael Nicholson, with the search for a successor now beginning.

On Friday night a Celtic statement read: 'Celtic Football Club announced today that Chief Executive Dom McKay has stood down from his position for personal reasons.

'Dom McKay said: 'I'd like to thank the Board and everyone at Celtic for their support and wish everyone at Celtic every success for the future'.

'Celtic Chairman Ian Bankier said: 'We thank Dom for his efforts on behalf of the Club and everyone wishes Dom and his family very well for the future'.'

The statement contained no words from Nicholson, however, with chairman Bankier extolling his virtues as a 'team player'.

It continued: 'Celtic's Director of Legal and Football Affairs Michael Nicholson, who has been with the Club since 2013, has been appointed to the Board of Celtic plc as acting Chief Executive Officer.

'Following a successful career in sports law, Michael Nicholson (45) joined Celtic in 2013 as Company Secretary and Head of Legal. Michael was promoted to Director of Legal and Football Affairs in 2019.

'He has been at the centre of executive decision making at Celtic during his time at the club, working directly with the Board, the Chief Executive and the Football Department.

'Michael carries the confidence of the Board and his colleagues. He is widely known and highly regarded in football circles in the UK and in Europe.'

Bankier was quoted as saying: 'It has been my pleasure to work closely with Michael for more than eight years now. Having been at the heart of the senior executive and reporting to the Board, he has a solid grip on how to achieve our immediate and future objectives.

'Michael is an absolute team player and he will lead an experienced and talented team of executives and colleagues at Celtic.

'Everyone at Celtic will of course work collectively and focus strongly on ensuring we continue to drive the club forward in every area, on and off the field.

'The Board, Ange, our management team and all our staff will continue to work together with the ultimate objective, as always, of delivering success for our supporters.'

Aside from Postecoglou's unveiling, McKay had kept a low public profile since moving to Parkhead.

At a series of meetings with fans groups, he had spoken of the need to modernise all aspects of the club but leaves with the position of director of football still vacant.