ONE of Gwent's proudest football teams has been forced to fold as a club ending 36 years of amateur league football at its Ruffetts Ground.

Trevethin Old Boys confirmed in writing to their respective league secretaries that the club would no longer be fielding sides in the Gwent County and Gwent Central leagues.

Trustees met to discuss the club's imminent future and because of a lack of interest and a potential debt they decided it was in the best interest of the club to end its existence.

"We have tried desperately to salvage the club, but there just isn't the interest from players anymore. It was a heartbreaking decision and one that has left the trustees in tears.

This club has been in existence for 36 years and given the area so many memories. We are all gutted," trustee Greg Didcott said.

Many believed the club had a bright future ahead after several cup successes over the last few seasons. After being crowned Gwent Central Division One champions in 1999/2000 the club enjoyed, for only the second time in its history, life in the prestigious Gwent County League. And only last year its impressive second string XI won the Benevolent Cup - painting a rosy picture for next season.

Off the field though the cracks were already beginning to show with player numbers and morale at an all-time low.

"I am very, very disappointed that we have lost the club after many people have worked so hard over the past few years to keep it going. This is a very sad loss to local football. "Trevethin needs an adult football league side - they bring so much," Ray Griffiths, secretary of the Gwent Central league said.

The five trustees are keeping the club's funds open to any potential backers who may wish to re-launch the club in the future.