Aberdeen’s former acting boss, Neil Warnock, said he made the decision to leave the Dons because he needed to receive cash under false pretenses.
The Dons manager left after last month’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, just 33 days after being hired until the end of the season.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, the former Sheffield United manager said he made the decision to cut his time with the Dons because he considered it to be in the club’s most productive interest.
He said: “I just thought it was smart for both parties.
“I just felt like I didn’t need to accept cash under false pretenses.
“I imagine it would be like that if they stored money.
“I told Dave (Cormack) that I felt like the newcomers needed to come in and check it out for six or seven weeks if they could.
“If they want to be competitive next season, they want to sign players who can play at this level.
“That’s my main piece of advice.
“Bring in players who you know can play right now rather than data-driven signings.
“I think it’s conceivable to challenge the two more sensible teams, Celtic and Rangers.
“But to do that they want four or five players who can play in the Scottish Premiership.
“I know it seems silly to have been there and played six games, but if you can get some of your own signings that can do a job at this level, you have a chance. “
In his last news conference as Aberdeen boss, Warnock said the Dons were close to making a permanent appointment and was surprised the board had not yet named Barry Robson’s successor.
He said: “I imagine they would have had a new coach by now.
“They will stand upright without any problem. I don’t think that was a doubt in our thoughts.
“We still had all the groups behind us to play and we won points. “
In the meantime, Warnock hopes to return to north-east Scotland for a stopover at Balmoral Castle, allowing visitors to sip afternoon tea and tour the castle during the summer months.
He added: “We saw that they were letting other people in for the first time and we tried to get tickets online and couldn’t get any.
“We’ve been on the website all day.
“We wanted to see afternoon tea for £150 and take a look at some of the rooms.
“I’d love to do that, I’m realistic.
“That’s 40 tickets a day and if you have any, let me know. Maybe I’ll move on to an Aberdeen game when I’m free. “
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