Neil Warnock decided to stand down from his job as Cardiff City manager after Sunday's 1-0 defeat at home to Bristol City, and he has now revealed the reason behind his departure.

The 70-year-old manager had managed to earn himself legendary status in the Welsh capital after managing to keep the Bluebirds up in 2016-2017, before helping the club reach the Premier League in 2017-2018. Despite relegation from the top flight last season, Warnock still had the support of the Cardiff fans and the board.

The Bluebirds squad has the potential of reaching the Premier League again under the next manager, the former Cardiff manager having left the squad in a good state with the likes of Neil Etheridge, Marlon Pack, Junior Hoilett, Joe Ralls and Aden Flint regulars within the side.

Opening up on his departure from the club, Warnock said - via Wales Online: "We both had a chat, we've been so close together, and I felt it was the right time and he agreed.

"He agreed reluctantly because he didn't want me to go until Christmas, but I didn't want it all to be soured.

[freshpress-poll ]

"I've got such a good relationship with the fans and I just think it's the right time now, while everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet.

"It's a great club and they can move forward now with the new manager and that's what I want the club to do."

A few names have been banded about in the early aftermath of Warnock's departure, with the likes of Neil Harris and Lee Bowyer having risen to the top of Cardiff's shortlist as the Bluebirds board look to appoint a new manager early.

The Verdict

Warnock had every right to step down from his role as Bluebirds manager and did so respectfully, thinking of the club and making sure he didn't sour his relationship that the manager had with the Cardiff fans while he did so.

Warnock left the club in a good state both on and off the field, having taken them through some difficult periods across his three years in charge and the 70-year-old was able to depart the club gracefully,