WANDERERS manager Dougie Freedman says the decision to announce skipper Kevin Davies will be leaving the club in the summer was taken early to allow the forward to find a new club.

Freedman says Davies, who has been at the Reebok for a decade, will always be considered a club legend.

But he says Davies' desire to keep playing regular first-team football means a departure is the best option for both parties.

In a club statement released on the captain's 36th birthday today, Freedman said: "Kevin Davies is and always will be a Wanderers legend.

"I want to be fair to him as regards his future, as he deserves it.

"This decision means that he is now free to sort himself out with a new club in plenty of time for next season.

"Being the type of man Kevin is, we sat down and had a chat about the future.

"He wants to carry on playing, and playing regularly. He has that desire to continue and this is the best move for him.

"I would like to thank him for his complete support and utter professionalism since I arrived. "He never gives anything less than 100 percent in training, or when called on for first team duties.

"He will continue to be available for selection for the remaining games of the season."