BARNARD Castle-based Glaxo Rangers FC have folded.
Manager Andrew Hall cited lack of commitment from players as the cause for the club’s demise.
The club played in the first division of the Crook and District League on a Saturday afternoon and had completed nine of their ten fixtures and were due to have welcomed Middlestone Moor FC to the Manor Farm ground last weekend.
In a statement Mr Hall, who was at the helm for five seasons, said: “Due to lack of commitment of players it is with immediate effect that Glaxo Rangers have withdrawn from the Crook and District league.
“This is in no way down to management and staff and solely down to player commitment.”
He added: “It’s a really sad day as I’ve been involved in coaching in Barnard Castle for 20 years, taking charge of an U6 side and taking them through all the ages in the Teesside Alliance league until they finished at U16 level. Five or six of that squad went on to Glaxo Rangers.
“These lads asked me to help the team out mid-season of 2016/17 when they were at the bottom of the second division.
“That season was a struggle but with a regular training structure and a good pre-season programme, Glaxo hit the ground running and won the second division by five points [in 2017/18]. They have been in the top flight ever since.”
Mr Hall said it wasn’t just Glaxo who were struggling with attracting players who wanted to take the field.
He said: “Commitment is a problem which has meant reduced leagues throughout the area.”
However, he paid tribute to those who have supported the club since its formation in the 2014/15 season.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank GSK for its great support and fantastic facilities, Sarah and all her staff at the social club, the financial help from all our sponsors over the years – especially Caroline Kelly at KGB cleaning and support services who has helped me with all my teams throughout the years.”
He added: “For the players who are keen, I hope you get to play at other clubs next season.
“I am now retiring from coaching but with football in my blood I’m pulling on my boots again and trying my luck at walking football with Middleton Wanderers WFC to still be involved with the buzz of a match day and the camaraderie of team sports.”
