Neil Warnock has stood down from his role as interim manager of Aberdeen after just 33 days in the job.
It was announced on Saturday that the 75-year-old would be leaving Pittodrie already, despite leading the Dons into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup with a 3-1 home win over Kilmarnock.
Warnock was a surprise choice to take the Aberdeen reins in February, appointed interim boss until the end of the season for his 20th job in football management following the sacking of Barry Robson, having been out of work since leaving English Championship club Huddersfield in September.
He was tasked with quickly improving their fortunes in the Scottish Premiership, but Aberdeen did not win any of his six league matches in charge, losing four and drawing twice to leave them sitting 10th and only four points above the relegation play-off place. They were eighth when he arrived.
The home cup victories over Kilmarnock and fourth-tier Bonnyrigg Rose proved Warnock’s only wins at the helm, with a tough run of top-flight form reaching a nadir at St Mirren last weekend, when his side led 1-0 from the first minute before going on to lose 2-1 in agonising fashion to goals scored in the 96th and 97th minutes of the game.
First-team coach Peter Leven will now take charge of Aberdeen while the search for another new manager continues.
“I was honoured to lead Aberdeen for a short period to help [chairman] Dave [Cormack] and the Board get themselves into a position where they could get closer to making a permanent appointment,” Warnock said.
“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.
“[Assistant manager] Ronnie [Jepson] 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 for the future.”
Aberdeen chairman Cormack said: “The Club would like to thank both Neil and Ronnie Jepson for their efforts.
“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.”
