Inglewood United and coach Graham Normanton have announced they have parted company by mutual consent. The decision came following a meeting between Normanton and the members of the club Executive Committee tonight at which it was felt it was in Inglewood’s best interest to start building towards season 2015.

“Graham has been an absolute professional at our club and we thank him for his contribution since joining Inglewood on the eve of the 2012 season,” said president Luke Martin. “We have the greatest respect for the commitment Graham made to Inglewood and we wish him all the best for the future. He will always be a friend of Inglewood United.”

Normanton joined Inglewood early in 2012 and, despite limited preparation, guided the club to fifth in the league before dropping one spot last year. He took the club to back-to-back State Cup semi-finals, in 2012 and 2013, and earlier this year oversaw our qualification for the last four of the Night Series.

Inglewood entered the inaugural National Premier Leagues with the expressed goal of a top four finish but, with five games remaining, is placed ninth and out of finals contention. “Graham is a great coach but has had to work in some difficult circumstances this year,” said Martin. “Graham understands our position and he will be welcomed back to Intiga Stadium as guest of the club at any time.”

Technical Director Goran Stajic will take charge of Inglewood’s first team in a caretaker capacity until the end of the season. An extensive search for a permanent replacement for Normanton will commence next month.