ELLWOOD Football Club has quit the Gloucestershire County League after more than 25 years.

The shock decision was made at an extraordinary meeting of the club committee on Monday night (July 18) as it was felt Ellwood would not be able to field a competitive side for the coming season.

The decision comes following an exodus of players at the end of last season – and the difficulty of attracting new players capable of playing at county level – as well as being unable to get a new manager and coach to take the team forward.

The club – former league champions and an ever-present for more than a quarter of a century – say the decision to quit the league was a difficult one.

A club spokesman said: “We have some of the best facilities in the area and a playing surface that is the envy of clubs much further afield.

“It’s disappointing we cannot attract the players but there’s no point in starting a season knowing you are likely to struggle in such a tough and competitive division.

“We will re-group and re-build – there are three junior and youth sides and we hope to bring through those young players over the next few years to work our way back.”

Ellwood will field just one team next season in the North Gloucestershire League Premier Division.