South Normanton Athletic have announced that, owing to the fact that no one has come forward to take over the club, it will fold.

They say that, after May 31st, the 28 year history of the Lees Lane club will come to an end.

Club spokesman Peter Kane said: "Earlier this year, the committee reluctantly decided that, through ill health and the age of the current committee members, it would be impossible to run the club for a further season.

"We made an appeal for anyone who may be interested in taking the club forward to get in touch, but no one has come forward.

He added: "It was, personally, a sad day for me as I was one of the founders of the club back in 1980.

"28 years is enough for anyone to help run local football, but I have not been alone.

"Most of the committee are in their late sixties, early seventies and most have been here over twenty years.

"What is more frustrating is that the club, which is Step 5 on the FA National Pyramid System, has a thirty year lease on its ground at Lees Lane, has passed the current Ground Grading Structure and has a four-figure sum in sponsorship in place for next season.

"We feel bitterly disappointed that, for many years, we have strived to put South Normanton on the national football map, without very little or no help from the Council, and the big companies that surround our village.

"We would like to go on record that we owe a big thank you to our two managers, Glynn Stacey and Mark Harvey.

"They are, in our opinion, the best two managers we have had at this club.

"With the right backing, these lads could go far in football."

But, there could still be hope.

As a last ditch appeal, Kane again asked if there was anyone who wants to come and accept the legal responsibilities of running the club next season then to get in touch.

He said: "A few committee members have stated that they will stay and help on the ground improvements should a new consortium be found."