DOM MCKAY has stepped down from his role as Celtic chief executive for 'personal reasons'.

The club announced the shock news on the stock exchange this afternoon.

McKay had only been in the role for a matter of months before leaving his position.

Michael Nicholson, the club's current Director of Legal and Football Affairs, will take on the role for an interim period after McKay's departure.

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.

"I would also like to welcome Michael to the Board and look forward to continuing to work with him to deliver future success for the Club."

Included in the announcement, McKay commented: "I'd like to thank the Board and everyone at Celtic for their support and wish everyone at Celtic every success for the future."

Confirming Nicholson's promotion to the board in an acting CEO role, club chairman Bankier added: “It has been my pleasure to work closely with Michael for more than 8 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.”