It looks like it's all over for Newton Abbot AFC after debts thought to be close to £60,000 forced a mass resignation of its officers.

Unless new people come forward to lead the board by the time the South West Peninsula Football League next meets on November 6 there could be little choice other than to expel the club.

The Reds, established in 1964, have already been suspended from the league after players failed to turn up for a match against Wadebridge Town earlier this month.

Wednesday's home fixture against Clyst Rovers was also shelved and a decision on tomorrow's match against Tavistock AFC was due to be taken after we went to press.

The fate of the November 1 meeting with Dartmouth is also in doubt.

League chairman Phil Hiscox said that without anyone able to hold positions of authority the club could not 'reasonably fulfil' its obligations.

It was guilty of 'a breach of the articles of the association'.

He told The Advertiser that Newton Abbot AFC had become a 'ghost club' and was in danger of disappearing altogether.

'We don't want to close them down but if there is no one turning up to play games there's no point,' he said.

'I'm in a quandary as I can't allow the club to play unless I have the names of the nominated officers but the three who were confirmed at the beginning of the season have now resigned en bloc.

'If someone did come forward there is still time for new officers to be appointed but who in their right minds would do that if they then immediately became liable for the debts which the club has run up.

'The most accurate figure I've heard is £57,000 which I believe is owed in tax, to Devon FA for rent and to the brewery and other suppliers.'

Paul Morrison, Devon FA chief executive, confirmed there was 'at least' £30,000 owing in unpaid rent but that he was keen to help.

'It's very frustrating as communication with the club isn't very strong but I would welcome it if they got in touch so we could understand what is going on and try to work a way round the problem,' he said.

'As it is it would appear they've all just got up and gone, it's a great concern.'

No one from the club was available to discuss the crisis.