Wycombe Wanderers sporting director Andrew Howard admitted his impending departure from the club is the “hardest decision he has made” as he bows out after four years on the board.

Howard, who came to Wycombe in 2014, has overseen huge success on and off the pitch, with Wanderers’ promotion to League One last season the pinnacle of a brilliant tenure.

Speaking exclusively to the Bucks Free Press, Howard, who leaves his role at Adams Park on Wednesday, explained that since making the decision to stand down he has found it a “nightmare” to come back to the club.

He said: “It’s a nightmare. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I have thrown myself back into work and not come back to the ground as much.

“I find it really difficult coming back. It is an incredibly warm place to come back to. I can genuinely say it is the hardest decision I have made.

“It is the right decision for all parties but it is the hardest decision I have made.”

After Wycombe’s great escape in 2014, Howard put a five-year plan in place on the pitch and as it stands, Wanderers are on course to meet that by avoiding relegation in League One this term.

The financial stability of the club has improved with every season with Howard using the analogy “we were on life support when I began”.

In terms of the finances now, Howard added: “I think the club are on regular visits back to the hospital to check everything is ok.

“They are never far away from intensive care.

“Using the hospital analogy, if you keep yourself fit, I think it will be fine.”

Howard added: “Survival is the essence. As a fan next Thursday morning, if Gareth and the players stick to the plan we have a great chance of survival in League One.”

Read more from Howard in next week’s Bucks Free Press.