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

The club announced on their website that former Saints boss Strachan - who won three titles 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.''

The 52 year-old Scot, who led Saints to the FA Cup final in 2003, refused to discuss his future immediately after their final Clydesdale Bank Premier League game of the season, a 0-0 draw with Hearts.

But his departure is no surprise after he failed to gain total support from a number of Celtic fans despite his success at home and in Europe, where he twice led Celtic into the last 16 of the Champions League.

Strachan added on Celtic’s official website: ''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.

''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.''

Strachan's success came despite having a much smaller transfer budget and wage bill than was afforded to predecessor Martin O'Neill.

Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell paid tribute to Strachan, who has been mentioned as a possible successor to Ricky Sbragia, who himself stepped down as Sunderland boss yesterday.

Lawwell said: ''Gordon has given everything to the club and worked tirelessly to bring success to Celtic.

''He has achieved so much at both domestic and European levels.

''It has been a pleasure to work closely with Gordon and he leaves the club with all our best wishes.

''We thank Gordon for his commitment and achievements at the club and we also thank our fans for backing us all the way this season.

''Our fans know how to support their club and we will be doing all we can to once again bring back the title to Celtic Park, something which our support deserves.''