STEVE Brown has been sacked as assistant manager at Wycombe Wanderers.

The club say they made the decision for financial reasons.

Brown's departure, just days before pre-season training is due to start, is part of their attempt to streamline' the coaching staff.

Managing director Steve Hayes said yesterday: "Over the last few weeks we've reviewed all our finances at the club and it was felt that we needed to streamline our coaching staff."

Blues' backroom staff was one of the largest in the division last season. The club reported a loss of £1.8million in their accounts published last November and those losses came on top of a £1million loss the year before.

Hayes said: "Brownie has been a fantastic servant to the club so this is a sad day for all of us.

"He was truly a legend at Adams Park and he will never be forgotten by Wycombe fans.

"Steve leaves with our best wishes and he'll always be welcome back here."

Brown signed for the club in 1994 and went on to make more than 400 appearances for the first team.

He was offered a coaching role at Adams Park when his playing days ended three years ago and last summer was named as Paul Lambert's assistant.

Brown played a leading role in recruitment while the Scot found his bearings south of the border.

He said: "I'm sad to be leaving, but decisions were made and now I have to get on with it.

"Wycombe have been a huge part of my career and I'll be leaving behind a lot of good friends and great memories."

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