Sutton Town have been explaining why they decided to resign from the Northern Counties East League.

They shocked everyone when they announced their intention to end their four-year spell in the League at the weekend.

Today, they issued their first statement.

It said: "The consortium that took over the club last year have invested heavily in the last twelve months to both maintain NCEL football at the club and reduce the not inconsiderable debt inherited.

"However, in the last few weeks, it has emerged that the debt from previous years is far greater than first revealed and, coupled with the need to maintain the ground to NCEL standards, has led to the decision, on the club accountant's advice, to cease trading as a limited company.

"It is recognised that a town the size of Sutton-in-Ashfield should have a senior football club and we are proposing to reform as Sutton Town AFC, subject to FA approval.

"An application has been made to join the Central Midlands League.

"Jason Blunt has agreed to continue as manager and a number of last year's squad have pledged their support as we attempt to
climb back up the pyramid.

"Further, it is proposed to introduce an Academy for youth football and we are in discussion with an established club to supplement our current limited youth set up which could see ten to twelve teams and nearly 200 boys and girls playing under the Sutton Town AFC umbrella.

"Ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Mansfield Town goalkeeper Kevin Pressman has agreed to assist with coaching with the Youth Academy.

"And, manager Blunt will be running soccer schools as we aim to give youth the opportunity to progress through the ranks of the Academy to the first team and possibly to a professional career.

"We feel this to be the best way forward for the club and would like to thank all who have expressed their best wishes and to our sponsors who have pledged continued support, at the same time appealing to anyone who can offer further sponsorship or help to move the club forward."