Aberdeen have announced that interim manager Neil Warnock has stepped down from his position after just eight games at the Pittodrie helm.
The 75-year-old signed a contract until the end of the season last month, taking over on a temporary basis from the sacked Barry Robson for his 16th different job in management.
Warnock took over with the Dons sat eighth in the Scottish Premiership table, but they have since been demoted two spots to 10th place, just four points clear of Ross County in the Premiership playoff final spot.
The former Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough boss has failed to guide Aberdeen to a top-flight win during his short time in charge, overseeing draws with Hibernian and Motherwell but suffering losses to Rangers, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone (two).
Nevertheless, Aberdeen are still chasing success in the Scottish Cup, where Warnock achieved his first win with a 2-0 fifth-round success over Bonnyrigg Rose before a 3-1 quarter-final beating of Kilmarnock on Saturday.
After leading the Dons to the last four of the competition, Warnock left his role alongside assistant Ronnie Jepson, with Aberdeen confirming that their search for a new permanent manager has hit an "advanced" stage.
"I was honoured to lead Aberdeen for a short period to help Dave and the Board get themselves into a position where they could get closer to making a permanent appointment," Warnock told the official Aberdeen website.
"It goes without saying that I had hoped I could've collected a few more league wins along the way, but I am also delighted to have helped the club into the Scottish Cup Semi Final. I hope they can now go on and lift the trophy.
"Ronnie and I can't thank the fans enough for their support while we've been here and we wish the club and the supporters all the very best for the remainder of the season and for the future."
Chairman Dave Cormack confirmed that Peter Leven would momentarily take control of the reins before an appointment is made, adding: "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."
Aberdeen are back in Scottish Premiership action on Wednesday evening, travelling to Dens Park for a date with Dundee. body check tags ::
