WANDERERS are expected to make an announcement on their new chief executive this week.

Neil Hart, the former Burnley CEO, has been strongly linked with the post, which has been vacant since the departure of Emma Beaugeard last year.

Andrew Gartside, son of late chairman Phil, had been covering most of the responsibilities last season and since he stepped down at the end of last season, chief financial officer Scott Lindsay had stepped into the breach.

Hart was at Turf Moor for 12 months as the football club’s CEO and had previously worked for six years as the head of Burnley’s community football programme.

Prior to joining Burnley, he had also worked at Watford and Luton Town, and had accepted a job at Huddersfield Town but did not take up the reins.

Confirming Gartside’s departure in a statement last week, Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan said he was looking to spend more time with his young family.

“Personally, I cannot thank Andrew enough for what he did for the football club since his appointment,” she said.

“Andrew provided tremendous advice and counsel during the takeover, and his contribution over the past 18 months has been invaluable. He will be missed enormously!

“His lifelong passion for the club was evident throughout and I know that this will continue as he spends time with his family.

“Knowing Andrew, he will always remain in contact with us and he certainly won’t be a stranger.

“On behalf of the Board and everybody at the club, I wish Andrew and his family all the very best for the future.”