Step 8 club folds with immediate effect

Step 8 club Swanwick Pentrich Road FC folds with immediate effect as it’s got more and more difficult to keep the non league side running.

It comes after their Central Midlands League Division One South season was suspended in March 2020 due to the coronavirus, before being declared null and void.

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.”

After it was posted that the Step 8 club folds with immediate effect, fans up and down the nation paid tribute and said goodbye…

From all at Ripley Town, we’re sorry to hear this and thank the club for what they’ve done in the local community! We wish all the players and backroom staff every success in the future.

— Ripley Town FC (@RipleyTownFC) June 2, 2020

Really sorry to read this, please pass on my best wishes to everyone connected with the club and thanks for all the help you’ve given me with results, scorers etc. Never let me down once.

— Richard Lane (@rlntfc) June 2, 2020

Really sad to hear this, a great local football club, always a tough place to visit

— Eastwood CFC (@eastwoodcfc) June 2, 2020

Devastating news this coming out of Highfield Road – the Swans have always been there and fought many tough battles on and off the field. I truly hope the future heralds a return at some point but until then I wish everyone at the club all the best and thanks for the memories.

— Nobby (@cctfcnobby) June 2, 2020

I am absolutely gutted , near to tears to be honest.
Thank you for letting me be part of this great club. https://t.co/3jn0yNjGVi and worldwide.awaydays

— Darren Clay ( DC Live Photography) (@darrenclay05) June 2, 2020

Such a shame to lose another great local club.

— Nick McCabe (@KipMcCabe10) June 2, 2020

Very sad news indeed. Great Club! Run by good people… will be sorely missed . Enjoyed our games over the past few years

— Linby Colliery Welfare FC (@FcLinby) June 2, 2020

Great shame. End of an era. I felt the same pain for my local club Bulwell FC not that long ago. Under the current climate I’m not surprised though. It’s going to get very difficult for a lot of grass roots clubs. #uptheswans

— Paul Wardle (@ukward13) June 2, 2020

That’s a great shame I remember being at the Central Midlands League Groundhop in 2018 and it was a great atmosphere that evening. Can’t believe that another club has gone.

— Groundhopper Dobby (@NiceLittleSetup) June 2, 2020