Wingate & Finchley have annound former boss turned director of football Dave Norman will leave the club at the end of the season.

The former Blues boss, who won the treble with the club in 2011, returned as director of football in 2013 and has worked alongside current head coach Danny Nielsen ever since.

Norman delivered the Isthmian League Cup, London Senior Cup and promotion from Isthmian Division One North via the play-offs and helped the Blues hold onto their Premier Division place for the next four seasons.

Chairman Aaron Sharpe released the following statement on the club website: 

"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.

"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.

"It is not goodbye; it is simply until next time. The club wishes you and your family success and happiness for the future."