Neil Warnock parted company with Cardiff City because he wanted to ensure his time in the Welsh capital would not become soured.
Speaking exclusively to WalesOnline, Warnock also revealed the club tried to convince him to stay on until Christmas.
Warnock has earned legend status at the club during his three years as Bluebirds boss, from rescuing them from a relegation scrap during his first year in charge to guiding them to a Premier League promotion in his second season.
Despite being relegated from the Premier League last term, he still had the backing of the board and the vast majority of the Cardiff City fan base.
And that backing from the board continued right up until Sunday after the loss to Bristol City. However, after the game Warnock told chairman Mehmet Dalman it was the right time for all parties if he stepped down.
"We both had a chat, we've been so close together, and I felt it was the right time and he agreed," Warnock said of his conversation with Dalman.
"He agreed reluctantly because he didn't want me to go until Christmas, but I didn't want it all to be soured.
"I've got such a good relationship with the fans and I just think it's the right time now, while everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet.
"It's a great club and they can move forward now with the new manager and that's what I want the club to do.
"I wish them every success."
Warnock believes that this is a squad fully capable of challenging at the top end of the Championship this season and hopes the next manager can bring even more success to the Welsh capital club.
The club will immediately be seeking Warnock's replacement, with Chris Hughton and Tony Pulis the two leading candidates with the bookmakers.
