Swanwick Pentrich Road FC fold

Club officials said they had taken the decision with a heavy heart after finding it increasingly difficult to sustain the Highfield Road club.

A statement said: “We have always competed well in every competition entered, but in recent years have found it increasingly difficult to move ahead, and we just could not survive on excellent hospitality alone.

“We would like to thank each and every person who has been involved with Swanwick Pentrich Road FC in any form over the years.

“There has been a lot of time, effort and hard work put in by so many. None more so, in recent years, than by chairman, Lee Lawrence and general manager, David Pilgrim. This is just the tip of the iceberg though, the list of thank yous is literally endless.

“We think of the football club as it is today, but it has held so many special memories from the past as well. So many excellent local players have had great times playing at Swanwick, along with many backroom staff as well.

“It is so difficult to thank everyone individually, but you certainly know who you are, and have been at the heart of the club for so long.

“So, a massive thank you for your given time and commitment shown during these years, this football club would not have been so successful if it wasn’t for you.

“It is a huge pity that we were unable to complete our final league season, and of course not being able to contest the Derbyshire Divisional Cup South final; sad news which was only confirmed to us several days ago.

“Playing that last, poignant game would have brought the curtain down perfectly on the life of our beloved club, but due to current circumstances, this was not to be.”

Swanwick Pentrich Road has been a great breeding ground for local talent, with league title winner John Simms, Kev Pilkington and Andy White all representing the club.

The news sparked an outpouring of goodwill messages from clubs across the local non-league scene.