I only found officially myself via the league's website this morning, which reported it had received the following correspondence from the club:
"It is with much sadness and regret that I have to inform you that the club resigns its position as a member of the Vodkat League.
"Over the past few seasons the club has struggled to continue, particularly financially. Combined with a paucity of officials, sponsors, volunteers and spiralling costs, the decision to withdraw the team has been made.
"Attempts to sell the club have been unsuccessful so far, despite many meetings and negotiations, but that position remains.
"I would like to express my thanks to the member clubs, and in particular the League Management Committee, for the support and co-operation over the years, and extend my best wishes for the future to all".
Other than I am absolutely distraught at this confirmation, I can't really put into words my full feelings at the current time, and that's probably for the best. A very very sad day.
I only found out myself that he had sent in this resignation via both a phone call from Radio Lancashire and an email from a North West Counties league official.
The latter's official website soon confirmed the devastating news, reporting that it had received the following correspondence from the club:
"It is with much sadness and regret that I have to inform you that the club resigns its position as a member of the Vodkat League.
"Over the past few seasons the club has struggled to continue, particularly financially. Combined with a paucity of officials, sponsors, volunteers and spiralling costs, the decision to withdraw the team has been made.
"Attempts to sell the club have been unsuccessful so far, despite many meetings and negotiations, but that position remains.
"I would like to express my thanks to the member clubs, and in particular the League Management Committee, for the support and co-operation over the years, and extend my best wishes for the future to all".
First formed in 1881, the club claimed the Football League Third Division North title in 1923, Lancashire Combination success in the early fifties under Bob Johnson and Joe Fagan, maintain to this day a 100% record at Manchester United, and were the first English team to beat Real Madrid in their own backyard.
Other than I am naturally absolutely distraught with this decision after a ten year association with the club, the last two as secretary, I can't really put into words my full feelings at the moment, and that's probably for the best to be honest.
It's a very very sad day.
