THE future of one of the North-East's best known amateur football clubs hangs in the balance after its owner announced he would quit the club at the weekend.

Four years after stepping in to help Spennymoor United escape a financial black hole, Benny Mottram is about to call it a day.

The club's chairman and sole director blames a lack of support from the town and pressures in his personal life for his decision to withdraw his financial support.

He said: "For me, enough is enough. I don't want to be involved in the club anymore. I don't think the people of Spennymoor want a local football team.

"I do hope it survives - if someone takes over I'll still offer sponsorship or help to build a new clubhouse."

Mr Mottram said he has worked with creditors and pumped in his own cash to virtually wipe out the club's £360,000 debt.

He also said a long-running row with Spennymoor Town Council over the lease of The Brewery Field ground had been an extra strain.

But yesterday, the council denied claims they had been unsupportive of the club.

Its leader, Councillor John Marr, said: "The town council has always worked closely with the club.

"We want people to know that, but we are elected to protect the public purse and if we didn't pursue the club's outstanding rent, we would have to increase the precept.

"I was on the club's committee for 15 years and all the councillors want to do what is best for it."

Temporary clerk Pauline Wilson said: "We did agree terms of a lease in August 2003 and haven't had any rent since then. If anything, we have been lenient, as the surety of the lease Mr Mottram is responsible for £2113.70 in rent arrears and we will pursue that because it is rate-payers' money."

Over the past decade, the council has given about £200,000 in grants, sponsorship and loans to the club, and asked for a nominal rent of only £20 a week.

That included an £80,000 loan in 1993 for ground improvements, which ensured the club's league status.

Mayor John Culine said the council would talk to any individual or consortium interested in taking over the club to try to safeguard its future.

The club's primary concern is honouring the season's remaining fixtures to earn breathing space during the close-season, when secretary Tom Metcalfe hopes plans for a brighter future can be made.

On the pitch, the team is enjoying good times, sitting pretty in 11th spot in the UniBond League Premier Division with five games in hand on top team Workington.

But Mr Mottram's decision to quit the club mid-season could throw the team into turmoil and the goodwill of players could be called upon to cover their own travel expenses.

Manager Graeme Clark said: "I'm preparing for Saturday's game and will probably speak to the players about this when we're all together.

"I'll leave the politics to the politicians, but the players have always been brilliant as have the supporters.

"If players are asked to cover their own travel expenses some may walk, but we'll see what the outcome is before worrying about that."