CARDIFF manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he left the Championship club because of a “difference in philosophy” with owner Vincent Tan.

The Norwegian’s departure after only eight and a half months at Cardiff was announced in a club statement yesterday afternoon following talks in London on Wednesday between Solskjaer and the Bluebirds’ hierarchy.

The two parties said they parted on amicable terms but Solskjaer made clear it was him who decided to step aside after Tuesday’s 1-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough had seen them fall to 17th place in the Championship.

“I want to thank Vincent for giving me the opportunity to manage Cardiff City FC,” Solskjaer said in a statement.

“He has my full respect and I really wish him all the best in his pursuit of making this football club successful.

“However, our difference in philosophy on how to manage the club made me decide to step aside and allow the club to move forward in the direction Vincent wants.

“I leave the club with some very talented players and want to thank them for their efforts and hope to see them challenge for promotion this season.”

Malaysian businessman Tan - who had fallen out spectacularly with previous manager Malky Mackay before the Scot’s departure in December - revealed he had been advised in the summer following Cardiff ’s relegation from the Premier League to dispense with Solskjaer’s services.

“Ole was hired by Cardiff City on our understanding and belief that he would help us fight relegation from the Premier League,”

Tan told the club website.

“Unfortunately that did not happen. After the club was relegated many people advised me to let him go, but I decided to keep Ole on for the Championship season.

“Regrettably our recent results do not justify Ole’s continued role as manager at Cardiff.

“Ole has therefore decided to step down and I have accepted this.

“During my short association with Ole, I have found him to be an honest and hard-working professional.”