ROCK Rovers chairman Glen Pool says he fears for the future of Saturday football in the county after the Pendle club were forced to quit the East Lancashire League.

“It is a very sad day for Rock Rovers, having to disband because we can’t get enough players to commit to play on a Saturday,” said Mr Pool.

“If this carries on then there will not be any more Saturday football because it is endemic throughout the amateur game.”

He added: “Saturday football is dying and the amateur game is in serious decline.”

The club was named after the Rock Hotel, Trawden, and progress was swift, winning the Nelson and Colne League twice before Rock joined the Craven and District League, becoming First Division and Premier League champions.

They subsequently joined the East Lancashire League, claiming the Second Division title in 2004 and 2012.

Last season they finished a very creditable sixth in Division One, winning over half their games in the top flight.

Twice they were awarded the Arthur Lord Memorial Shield for fair play and were Presidents Cup and Bird Cup winners.

It is hoped that the name of Rock Rovers will survive through a five-a-side and a veterans team.

And Mr Pool announced that a celebration of Rock Rovers and their contribution to local football will be held at the Union Hotel in Colne on November 28.

“The East Lancs is a superb league, but a lot of lads are not interested in playing on a Saturday anymore, many of them would rather go to the pub to watch a live game and have a couple of pints,” added Mr Pool.

“It came to the point that we couldn’t field a team, and when we joined this league we were playing two teams on a Saturday.

“Over the years, several generations of players from local families have worn the Rock Rovers shirt with great pride, as the club continued to offer lads a competitive game of football.”

He added: “It is a fact that Rock Rovers were the catalyst for the emergence of Colne FC, and they have been a credit to the town with their rise through the leagues.

“Hopefully we have given some pleasurable memories and excitement to many local footballers and their families throughout the years.”

Peter Hargreaves, secretary of the East Lancs Football League, said: “Rock Rovers are one of our longest serving teams and it is a sad blow.

“I’m very sad for Glen, a great ambassador for Rock Rovers who has served this league so well.”

Langho Reserves and Mill Hill Reserves resigned from the league earlier this season and Mr Hargreaves added: “It is a sign of the times and Saturday football is on the wane.

“However, we’ve got to battle on and make sure that we keep this league going for many years."