Neil Warnock has broken his silence on leaving Aberdeen after just one month as interim boss.

The veteran manager, 75, left the club minutes after victory over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup.

Warnock had been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season on February 5 but has left the club after eight matches in charge - two wins, two draws and four defeats.

Now, Warnock has explained his surprise exit as he gave his first interview on BBC Sportsound.

The experienced manager commented: "I only came up to help Dave and Alan out and try and steady the ship. Unfortunately, we have't got the right results in the league. But I thought I ought to try and get through in the cup.

"I know they're well on their way now to getting a new manager. I've been telling them now for the last couple of weeks they have to push forward now and try and get a new manager in as quickly as possible and that's what they're doing. I thought it was the right time.

"We decided in midweek that today was going to be the day. I'm glad I left on a high because the lads were fantastic today. I thought they played really well and I was quite proud of them."

READ MORE: Neil Warnock leaves Aberdeen interim post after one month

On whether it was his decision to leave, Warnock added: "I think we just talked about it. It's always been a joint thing. It's one of those things.  I've told them all along they have got to get a manager in to give him six weeks, something like that, to look at the squad because I think the squad needs quite an overhaul in the summer. 

"If anything, I've contributed to making them realise and get a move on. They're very close down the line to bringing somebody in now."

Further discussing his experience in Scotland, Warnock said: "I've met some great people. I'm just glad I got to a semi-final so the fans have something to look forward to. I know there has been some keyboard warriors, but that's everywhere, really.

"I wanted to come up here and it has been a bit of an eye opener for me. I wish I had been here a year and had a couple of transfer windows. They have got a nucleus of good players, it's just they need four or five players at this level that we're talking about."

An Aberdeen statement confirmed:  "Interim manager Neil Warnock has stepped aside following today’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final victory at Pittodrie."

Peter Leven will take over first-team duties until a new manager is appointed with Warnock's assistant Ronnie Jepsen also departing Pittodrie.

Chairman Dave Cormack said: “The Club would like to thank both Neil and Ronnie Jepson for their efforts.

“With the search for a new manager at an advanced stage, Peter Leven will assume control of all first team matters until the process is concluded.”