by Nathan Parker & Editor
AFTER 1,133 days as Cardiff City manager, Neil Warnock’s time in the Welsh capital is up.
The 70-year-old has parted company with the Bluebirds following their home defeat to Bristol City on Sunday.
Cardiff released a statement saying he had left his position ‘by mutual agreement and with immediate effect’.
Warnock’s three-year stint with the club saw City rise from a bottom half Championship team to competing against the very best in the Premier League after promotion in 2018.
The Bluebird’s second spell in England’s top division was short lived though, as they finished 18th in the table, despite beating Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford on the final day.
On his return to the Championship, Warnock told BBC Wales it was his last campaign as City boss and that he intended to retire after 40 years as a football manager.
Having made astute signings in the summer with the likes of Will Vaulks, Marlon Pack and Robert Glatzel added to his squad, much was expected of City this season.
But, with Cardiff in 14th place and losing both the south Wales and Severnside derbies, something had to give.
Here is how journalists and fans reacted on social media to the veteran’s departure:
2 derby defeats the last straw, after a stumbling start. Neil Warnock rescued @CardiffCityFC in 1st season, got them promoted in the 2nd for 1 season in the PL. This term #Bluebirds have lacked zip and passion – most unlike NW. His best achievement – re-connecting club with fans! https://t.co/kX5wkmGlyf
— Rob Phillips (@robphillipshere) November 11, 2019
We’ve always been more than a football club. What this man did for the capital city, the people, the players, the fans and the community cannot be written in a little tweet. Thank you Neil Warnock 💙 #CCFC #CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/xRmOmr0rSz
— Jason Mohammad (@jasonmohammad) November 11, 2019
Cardiff City’s press conferences are likely to be far duller without Neil Warnock. Money, modern managers, Brexit – he was never afraid to give an opinion. And even those who find his football deeply unfashionable should recognise he healed a divided club.
— Graham Thomas (@Graham_Thomas) November 11, 2019
Took us from relegation candidates to the Premier League in 2 years. Stabilised the club which was a mess when he first joined and given us memories that will live with us forever. Club legend, thank you Neil Warnock🔷 pic.twitter.com/raCmU5ZF8F
— Rhys Jones (@ccfc_rhys) November 11, 2019
Cardiff City FC Chairman, Mehmet Dalman said: “On behalf of Cardiff City Football Club, I thank Neil for his invaluable contribution to the future of this great club.
“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.”
Warnock will be remembered fondly by many of the Cardiff City faithful. In his farewell message he thanked those who employed him and worked with him. He told the club’s website that the time was right for change.
“Today I am leaving my beloved Bluebirds after over three years of which have been some of the best days in my long football career.
“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.”
And he paid tribute to the fans for their support during his tenure, before signing off with his now familiar catchphrase.
“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.”
Former Millwall manager Neil Harris is among the favourites to take over from Warnock with former Nottingham Forest coach Aito Karanka and Newport County’s Michael Flynn also in the running, according to WalesOnline.
