Gary Bowyer has broken his silence after his shock departure from Dundee.

The Englishman was named manager of the year for his division in the hour before he would depart the club on Wednesday.

Bowyer, 51, had led Dundee to the Championship title sealing a return to the top flight at the first time of asking last week.

However, he won't lead the club into the Scottish Premiership next season with he and assistant Billy Barr leaving the club after a shock announcement.

John Nelms had cited the need for the club to be "all aligned on the direction needed" as he offered a two-sentence comment on Bowyer's exit after a successful season.

Now, Bowyer has opened up on his time in Dundee as he admitted he was "saddened and disappointed" not to be given the chance to lead the club next season.

A statement from Bowyer - released through the League Managers Association - read: "Firstly, may I take this opportunity to say what a huge honour and a privilege it has been to be manager of Dundee Football Club. Thank you to Tim Keyes the chairman and the rest of the board.

"I am saddened and disappointed not to have the chance to lead the team in the Scottish Premiership next season. I have loved my time at Dundee and was excited at the prospect of breaking into the top 6. I will miss living in ‘the ferry’ and Scotland, which is such a beautiful country.

"Winning the Championship last Friday was an incredible night and to also be named Championship Manager of the Season was very humbling. I undoubtedly share both achievements with my staff and players who worked hard and showed great skill and determination to achieve promotion at the first time of asking.

"There are many people I want to thank for making my time with Dundee a success…

"My wife and family, for all their love and support and the sacrifices they made to make this work for us all. I know they loved their time up here as much as I did and were made to feel very welcome by the people of Dundee.

READ MORE: Dundee confirm departure of manager Gary Bowyer days after promotion

"To my assistant Billy Barr, what a fantastic, incredibly loyal and brilliant person you are. We shared so many emotions throughout the year and I could not have achieved this without your unwavering support. Top man.

"Moving to a new country has been a fabulous experience. The transition was made that much easier by the efforts of my coaching team of Scott Paterson, Alan Combe, Matty Castle, Macauley Kenney, Bruce Smith and Gary Ogilvie. Thank you all for your incredible work, great knowledge and input. I loved your company and you all played a massive part in us winning the league.

"To the players thank you for all your hard work and buying into our way of working. The appetite you showed on a daily basis was outstanding and as a result you were rewarded by being crowned Champions.

"Finally to the magnificent supporters, wow, wow, wow. The celebrations on Friday night, the civic reception at the weekend and the reception you gave me on the awards evening will live with me forever. From day one you took me in and we built a special relationship. Your passion for your team is incredible, please continue to give that support to those players in dark blue. I will miss celebrating with you all at the end of the games.

"Thank you for the memories it’s been an unbelievable season.

"C’mon the Dee. Gary Bowyer."

Managing director John Nelms said of Bowyer's departure: “Given the importance of the weeks and months ahead, I felt it was necessary to ensure we are all aligned on the direction needed to ensure the club is ready for its return to the Premiership.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, not least our fans, we wish Gary the best for the future and reiterate our thanks for his achievements in the past year.”

A club statement added: "The Managing Director and Technical Director, Gordon Strachan, will undertake a recruitment process to appoint a new manager to lead Dundee into the cinch Premiership and we will update our supporters as soon as this process concludes."