Wingate & Finchley chairman Aron Sharpe says he is committed to the central ethos of the club after the Blues made a surprising managerial change at the weekend.

While Wingate have lost their last three games following Saturday’s 4-3 defeat against local rivals Hendon, they are only three points outside the play-off spots in the Ryman League Premier Division.

Nonetheless, after a meeting on Sunday, Simon Lane left the club and was quickly replaced by former West Ham and QPR player Keith Rowland, whose arrival was announced on Monday.

Lane joined Wingate in April, accepting a position as director of football following the departure of David Norman, but he had effectively become the manager and it is thought that duality in his role was one of the key issues.

Sharpe told Ham&High Sport: “There was no falling out, it was a mutual agreement for both sides because we felt it wasn’t the way that both parties wanted to go.

“He [Lane] is a very good coach and he’s a very nice guy. The dynamic just wasn’t right. We have a business model and we will follow that business model as long as it keeps the club successful, and for me it’s important for the local community.

“I was born and raised in the road next to Summers Lane [where Wingate are based] and I want local young footballers in the main playing at the club.

“We’re always looking to be the best we can possibly be but within the financial restraints of what we have at the club. We are ambitious, loyal to our members and players, but not foolish. We want to draw players from the locality and our youth development.”

Wingate have no plans to bring in a new director of football, and Sharpe said: “We’ve got enough knowledgeable people within the club who will support the coaching staff.

“Keith will be head coach/first-team manager and we will continue in the vein that we have done, which is to focus on youth development and local football players.”