Former Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock has stepped down as the manager of Aberdeen despite leading the side to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup, the club have officially confirmed.
The legendary coach took over the interim role at Pittodrie on February 5. Since then, he has successfully guided the Dons into the last four of Scotland’s premier cup contest. Unfortunately, under the guidance of the former Leeds United boss, Aberdeen have failed to carry over their stellar cup form into the Scottish Premiership.
The four-time league winners are currently languishing in 10th position at the time of Warnock’s departure. He leaves the role in North-East Scotland along with his assistant Ronnie Jepson.
While the exit of the veteran manager has come as a shock, Warnock appears to be making way for a lined-up successor. Chairman Dave Cormack has stated that Aberdeen are at “an advanced stage” in their search for a replacement.
“The Club would like to thank both Neil and Ronnie Jepson for their efforts,” Cormack said in a club statement on Saturday afternoon.
“With the search for a new manager at an advanced stage, Peter Leven will assume control of all first-team matters until the process is concluded.”
Speaking about his exit, the 75-year-old admitted that he was “honoured” to take the job, however short his stint may have been.
“I was honoured to lead Aberdeen for a short period to help Dave and the Board get themselves into a position where they could get closer to making a permanent appointment.
“It goes without saying that I had hoped I could’ve collected a few more league wins along the way, but I am also delighted to have helped the club into the Scottish Cup Semi-Final. I hope they can now go on and lift the trophy.”
A short but sweet 33 days in charge for Neil Warnock at Aberdeen 😭#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/WMbOGPkwtH
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 9, 2024
“Ronnie and I can’t thank the fans enough for their support while we’ve been here, and we wish the club and the supporters all the very best for the remainder of the season and the future.”
Speaking in his farewell interview, the former Cardiff City boss was determined not to close the door on his managerial career stressing his uncertainty about the future [quotes via The Scotsman]:
“How do I reflect on my time at Aberdeen? Up and down. I don’t think I can say any more. I didn’t enjoy last week after the St Mirren game. I did think: ‘What am I doing here at 75?’ But I knew I had to be the one to get everyone going on Monday because you don’t have time to dwell. You don’t know what’s around the corner in life.
“I’ve just been asked [about retiring] and I said, ‘Look, it’s the 16th time I’ve retired now.’ I would say yes but who knows, when you get to my age you don’t know what’s around the corner – you just hope that you keep living.”
Writer’s View
It is a real shame that Neil Warnock won’t have the opportunity to walk out at Hampden as manager of Aberdeen. Although his time in Scotland has been short-lived, the 75-year-old has made a long-lasting impression. Warnock ultimately failed to help his team find league form throughout his cameo and perhaps his lack of success in the Scottish Premiership has driven the club to push harder for a replacement.
As this door closes, it is hard to believe that an opportunity at another club will not soon open up for Warnock. Hopefully, it will be an EFL club that comes knocking for the Yorkshireman. As teams battling relegation are drawn into managerial change at the tail end of the campaign, maybe they will look at his impressive record of keeping teams afloat.
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