It has been announced in the last half an hour that Cardiff City have relieved first-team manager Neil Warnock of his duties at the Cardiff City Stadium after more than three years in charge.

It comes after a disappointing result for the Bluebirds on the weekend, a 1-0 defeat against Bristol City, leaving Warnock's side in 14th place in the Championship table.

"I am leaving my beloved Bluebirds after over three years of which have been some of the best days in my long football career," Warnock said.

Cardiff have struggled to adapt to life back in the second tier following relegation from the Premier League last season, as they have picked up 21 points from their 16 games.

Warnock joined the Welsh club in October 2016, and led them to a 12th placed finish in his first season in charge.

The highlight of his reign in the Welsh capital was achieving promotion to the Premier League against the odds in 2018.

In a statement on Cardiff City's official website, it reads:

"Cardiff City Football Club can confirm that manager Neil Warnock has left his position by mutual agreement and with immidiate effect."

Cardiff say they have begun the search for Warnock's successor, and that news will be "made in due course." Warnock leaves the Welsh capital with a win ratio of 41%.

The Verdict

It is unfortunate that is has not worked out for Neil Warnock this season in the Championship, but it outlines the difficulty of the league for any side relegated from the Premier League the season before.

The derby defeats to Swansea and Bristol City respectively did not help Warnock's cause, as fans became frustrated with the performance of his team.

It looks like the correct decision for all concerned, but Cardiff fans will always hold the 70-year-old in high regard for the 2017-18 promotion campaign, and almost successfully keeping Cardiff up.