Norman calling time after final game of the season

Wingate & Finchley's director of football and former manager David Norman is stepping down at the end of the Ryman Premier campaign.

After guiding the Blues as manager to a 2011 treble of the Ryman League Cup, London Senior Cup and promotion via the play-offs, Norman, pictured, was asked to use his knowledge and experience to oversee all football at the Harry Abrahams Stadium in 2013.

Working alongside manager Daniel Nielsen this season, he has helped the club to set a new best ever points total in the Ryman's top flight of 67 with a game to go, beating their record of 59 points from the 2011-12 campaign.

The Blues say Norman announced his departure after last Saturday's 4-1 home win over Bognor Regis Town. Ahead of their final trip of the season to Canvey Island on Saturday, Wingate & Finchley chairman Aron Sharpe paid tribute to Norman and explained the circumstances behind his exit.

In a statement on the club's website, he told fans: “It is non-League football's worst kept secret that we work on an almost impossible budget with a small support base, relying heavily on volunteers, good will and loyalty. The term 'family' is an often overused term for a football club, however, that is exactly what we are and stand for.

“I, together with my board of directors, have an obligation to ensure that this club is financially sound and successful. Furthermore, we have a model and strategy that we believe will bring us sustainability and progression.

“Dave, unfortunately, has had to work within these parameters and with very few tools. Both he and I have spent a lot of time having discussions over such issues, yet without this time spent I doubt Wingate & Finchley would be where we are now; at the end of a record-breaking season.

“I can honestly say he is a fine football manager who shall go on to a higher level and be successful. Somehow we both knew it had come to the point where Dave had taken the club as far as he could on our minimal budget and the directives he had received. We met on numerous occasions recently and together came to the conclusion that the club needed a change at the helm."

He added: “The club wishes Dave all the success that he deserves and he knows he shall always be welcome back here. On a personal level I feel a huge loss, but it is for the club itself to continue to be successful and that is the directors' job at hand going forward.”

Follow us: @rymanleaguenews on Twitter | Ryman League group on Facebook