FALSE DON
‘I didn’t want to take money under false pretences’ – Neil Warnock opens his heart 25 days after shock Aberdeen exit
He's revealed what he told Dave Cormack on his exit
NEIL WARNOCK has lifted the lid on his departure from Pittodrie and admitted he 'didn't want to take money under false pretences'.
The veteran Yorkshire man shocked Dons fans when he walked out of the club after just eight games, leaving the club in the throes of a relegation battle.
3
3
They're not quite clear of that yet - although Warnock did manage to book them a Scottish Cup semi-final spot against Celtic.
But caretaker Peter Leven helped mastermind a crucial 2-1 win over Ross County to give the Dons breathing space - and they could now wait until the summer to appoint a permanent successor - with Elfsborg's Jimmy Thelin one name in the frame.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Warnock said: "It was my decision to go.
"I just felt it was right for both parties really.
Read More Football Stories
"I just felt there was no way that I wanted to take money under false pretences.
'I thought it would be better if they saved the money.
"I said to Dave [Cormack, chairman] that I felt that someone new had to come in and have a look at it for a good six or seven weeks if they can.
"If they are going to be challenging next year they've got to be really bringing some players in that can play at that level.
Most read in Football
"That was my main advice. Get players in that they know can play at that level rather than data-led signings.
"I think it is possible to challenge those top two of Celtic and Rangers.
Aberdeen manager Neil Warnock declares 'I'm a Rangers man' but reveals which Scottish team he really supports
"But, to do it, they need four or five players who can play in the Scottish Premiership.
"I know it sounds silly, having been there and only had six games, but if you get some of your own signings that can do a job at that level you have a chance."
Warnock is adamant the club will stay up, but then he insists they would have done in any case if he had remained.
He says he is surprised that they haven't brought in a new manager yet.
Warnock said: "I thought they would have had a new manager by now.
"They'll stay up, no problem whatsoever. I don't think that was ever a question in our thoughts.
"We still had all the bottom teams to play and we should have won points.
"It's a decent squad, but I think they need four or five proven players at that level.
"My only regret is that we threw daft goals away when we should have won games.
3
"I thought we should have won three games out of my five.
"Even the Rangers defeat was down to mistakes. I thought both goals were preventable.
"The St Mirren goals, they were an absolute joke, really. To concede like we did.
"So Ronnie (assistant Jepson) and I knew we wouldn't be leaving them with a problem.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
"They will finish mid-table, I think, and then the new guy will come in under no pressure and have a good look at the squad and decide for himself."
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page