Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has quit Parkhead just a day after losing the Scottish Premier League title to Old Firm rivals Rangers.

After being appointed as Martin O'Neill's successor in 2005, Strachan won the championship for three seasons running before Rangers finally broke that sequence having overcome a seven-point deficit.

The former Coventry and Southampton manager is now being strongly linked with the vacant job at Premier League Sunderland but the 52-year-old maintains his departure was amicable.

He said: "It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be the club's manager for 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 in recent years.

"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."