David Norman - Director of Football

The club would like to announce that David Norman shall step down as Director of Football after the final game of the season next weekend. Dave brought the club unrivalled success, in his first appointment as a manager, winning the unprecedented Treble in 2011 of the Ryman League Cup, Playoff Final and London Senior Cup. He was asked to come in as DoF in 2013 to work alongside Daniel Nielsen to bring experience and knowledge with a strict brief on club infrastructure. 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 . From Aron Sharpe and all at Wingate and Finchley FC