Pic: Norton & Stockton Ancients FC
NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS chairman Mick Mulligan says a lack of funds and support has led to the club resigning from the Northern League.
The club, formed in 1959, were mid-table in the Step 6 Northern League Division Two following relegation from Division One last season.
However, the club have taken the difficult decision to resign from the league with the first team “no longer viable”.
Norton will now focus on youth football and Mulligan has explained the reason for the club's withdrawal half-way through the season.
He said: “Norton & Stockton Ancients FC have notified the Northern League that we are withdrawing the first team from the league.
“The club have decided that the first team is no longer viable and the cost is not affordable due to diminishing spectators and limited funds available.
“The club have tried over a number of seasons to attract sponsorship but in the current economic climate it is very difficult for companies to support local football clubs.
“The decision is a purely financial one as we have fantastic volunteers who run match day like a well oiled watch but without the supporters we cannot continue.
“Norton as a football club will now plan for the future and develop our youth teams coming through the club.”
The Northern League have received the club's resignation and are set to discuss the matter at the League Management Committee on December 8. In the meantime, all proposed fixtures involving the club will be suspended.
