John Hartson has said that former Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook should "hang his head in shame".

Hartson, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2009, believes that Cook could be out of a job for some time after he was alleged to have sent an offensive email to the cancer-stricken mother of Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha.

"No-one likes to see anyone lose their job in football, but this simply had to happen," The Sun quotes Hartson as saying. "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.

"Within the game he's regarded as a clown, and this only underlines that perception. To send a sick email about a poor woman battling against cancer is despicable. He should hang his head in shame."

Cook resigned yesterday afternoon, reportedly after learning of Manchester City's intention to sack him.