Neil Warnock tells Aberdeen FC how to break Rangers and Celtic dominance NEXT season as he defends sudden exit

Former Aberdeen boss Neil Warnock has declared that he decided to leave because he wanted to save the club money - as he declared they CAN challenge Celtic and Rangers next season.

The veteran boss stepped into the Pittodrie hot seat on an interim basis after Barry Robson was sacked at the end of January - but having failed to win any of his six league matches at the helm the 75-year-old walked away after guiding the Dons to the Scottish Cup semi-final. Dave Cormack and the board are still searching for their next permanent boss having been assisted in their search by German football consultancy group BPTC.

Peter Leven remains in the hot seat ahead of the clash with Livingston - but Warnock insists he didn't want to remain in the Granite City and take a salary under "false pretences". And despite lasting just 34 days in the Scottish Premiership, the Englishman explained how he feels the Glasgow giants can be dislodged from the summit.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Warnock said: "It was my decision to go I just felt it was right for both parties really. 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) 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. 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.

"But, to do it, they need four or five players who can play in the Scottish Premiership. I know it