Stuart Webber is grateful for his Norwich City opportunity but is ready for a fresh challenge after six years leading the Canaries. 

His decision to step down came in March after a visit to Delia Smith and Michael Wynn Jones' home but was officially announced by the club on Tuesday. The pair released a tribute to the 39-year-old via club channels after the news was confirmed. 

Webber decided to release his own 700-word statement via his official LinkedIn profile that documents why he has decided to depart Norwich - listing struggles with the mental toll of the job, challenges that have arisen but why he feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity. 

STUART WEBBER'S FULL STATEMENT FROM HIS PERSONAL LINKEDIN PROFILE

Following the announcement of my departure from Norwich City, I want to be a little more specific on my time at the club.

Nothing remains forever and an unforgettable chapter in my life is closing. 

Before going any further, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the ownership, staff, managers, players and fanbase I have had the pleasure of working alongside during my time at the club. 

When I left Huddersfield Town to head to Norfolk six years ago, it was a massive decision for my wife Zoe and I – we were both excited and nervous for what was not only a professional challenge, but also a big step forward in our lives off the pitch.  

It quickly became apparent how demanding running a self-funded club is.

Player sales are pivotal to the success of this model, but there is also the expectation to get Norwich City to play at the highest level, which is where they belong.

Not only did we implement a cultural change across various sporting and non-sporting departments, we were determined to bring Carrow Road and the Lotus Training Centre together to become one unified club, which is something that I am delighted we could achieve. 

Although it is an often unseen aspect of the job, I am incredibly proud to have been a part of the executive committee and the work which has been undertaken throughout the club.  

Among these developments has been the growth of the academy, which has been outstanding. 

It is a testimony to the hard work which goes into progressing talent from both a sporting and personal standpoint, while the steady stream of players and staff getting promoted to the first team and academy graduates representing 24% of all minutes played over the past six years further underlines the positive steps we have taken. 

Player recruitment remains the toughest part of the job and I accept that mistakes have been made along this journey – it keeps me awake at night because it is the most difficult area to master as a sporting director. 

However, we have established a culture and we are now in a much better place to ensure we remain ahead of the curve and attract the best talent to the club. 

We implemented a global scouting network, having previously worked without an international presence, in addition to creating a data and innovation team to guide not only player selection but also coaching, performance and development – I cannot wait to see what evolves from these foundations.

The impact we have been able to have on the local community has had a monumental effect on me both personally and professionally – I cannot speak highly enough of the players, staff and partners who have been part of the effort to help those who have needed it most. 

This affection and respect I have for the local community were the driving force to giving back to those who make Norfolk what it is and eventually led to the launch of The Summit Foundation. 

This charity, set up by myself and Zoe, continues to raise money for young people in Norfolk to help them achieve their dreams, but also partners with like-minded organisations to educate and assist the next generation. 

Our charity has a tangible impact on local communities, but with your support we can make an even greater difference. Our website can be found here: www.thesummitfoundation.co.uk

I want to make this post as candid as possible and to use this platform to continue to raise awareness for talking about mental health too. 

The Pink Un: Stuart Webber has spent six years as Norwich City's sporting director.Stuart Webber has spent six years as Norwich City's sporting director. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

My journey at Norwich City has not come without its low moments.

These periods have made me a better person and I will admit that I did experience times when I struggled mentally.

Thanks to the support of the club, staff and my family, I was able to face these issues in the best possible manner.

I urge anyone who may feel like they are struggling to speak to someone and get that support. 

So, what is next? 

I recognise that it is now time for me to leave Norwich City and I am excited for what the future holds. 

The experiences over the past six years have made me a better sporting director, father, husband and person, and I am incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic club. 

I look forward to the next professional challenge which allows me to demonstrate exactly that. 

Thanks for reading.