Cardiff City confirm boss Neil Warnock has left club
Cardiff City Football Club has confirmed manager Neil Warnock has left his position "with immediate effect."
In a statement on Twitter, the club said the 70-year-old, who joined the club in 2016, had parted ways with the Bluebirds "by mutual agreement".
Warnock oversaw 144 matches and famously led Cardiff to promotion at the end of the 2017/18 season.
The club confirmed it will now begin the process of replacing him and an announcement will be made in due course.
The club's chairman, Mehmet Dalman thanked him for his "invaluable contribution"
“He not only gained promotion in his first season but played a pivotal role in uniting the fans and the club. I am personally upset by his departure and wish him the very best for the future", Mr Dalman said.
In a statement, Warnock said his time at the club have been "some of the best days" in his long career.
He was due to retire at the end of this season after 40 years in football management.
“A special mention also to all of my players, past and present, who have given me everything. Thank you, you’re a great bunch.
“I would especially like to thank Mehmet Dalman whom I have said many times has been one of the best Chairman I have had the privilege to work for. His support has been immense, especially in 2019 which for many reasons both on and off the field has been the most challenging period both emotionally and physically that I have ever encountered.
“It is a shared belief that this is the right time for a new voice as we believe this squad of players is more than capable of getting success. Finally, I would like to thank all you supporters for getting behind me and the team. I hope you have all enjoyed the journey. I am proud to leave the club as a united one and long may you all achieve the success that you deserve. Be lucky.”
Ahead of the South Wales derby in Swansea, ITV Wales sports reporter Beth Fisher spoke in-depth with Neil Warnock about his time at Cardiff and his footballing career.
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Fans have been thanking Warnock on social media for everything he has done for the Bluebirds.
Warnock's career in numbers:
327 appearances playing professionally for eight different clubs.
36 goals scored.
40 years managerial career.
15 clubs managed.
8 promotions to his name - a record.
10 Manager of the Month awards - a record.
Neil Warnock took over as manager at Cardiff City in October 2016. At the time, the team were bottom of the Championship with just two wins from 11 games.
He kept them in the Championship that season and guided them to automatic promotion the year after.
Before Cardiff City, Warnock managed 14 other clubs including Rotherham United and Queens Park Rangers.
As a player, Warnock was part of the team at Chesterfield, Rotherham United, Hartlepool United, Scunthorpe United, Aldershot, Barnsley, York City and Crewe Alexandra.
Cardiff City has recently been involved in a dispute with French club Nantes. The Cardiff side have been warned they could face a six million euro fine and a three-window transfer ban.