One of Felixstowe & Walton United's Isthmian North rivals is to be shut down and will pull out of its league.

News that East Thurrock United is to fold ends a story more than 50 years in the making of a club that rose from mates playing games on a public park to a club that climbed to the second rank of the non-League game in England – with many glorious days and memorable matches along the way.

The decision to fold the club, which operates as East Thurrock United 2009 Ltd, has been made by its sole director Gary Brownlie after consultation with its owner Alfie Best, who found national fame on Channel 4 show 'My Big Fat Gypsy Fortune'.

The multi-millionaire swept into the club by helicopter following the death of long-time owner Bennie Bennett and made promises of a new start and the regeneration of a club for the whole community with a new stadium.

However, it all proved to be a false hope and the plug has been pulled on senior football.

Felixstowe were due to meet East Thurrock at the AGL Arena in November, then travel to the south Essex side next April.

All their results will be expunged from the record when they are officially removed from the league.

It is not yet known what will happen to the junior sides at the club, known as the Rocks.

Mr Brownlie has confirmed to Nub News that he is closing down the club's operating company due to 'historic debt'.

Club chairman, Steve Wiseman, one of a handful of volunteers who have tried to keep Rocks going, made the following short statement today (Friday, 1 September): "On behalf of the East Thurrock United Football Club committee I would like to express my deepest regrets with the news that has been shared today in relation to the future of East Thurrock United Football Club.

"Following the death of Ben Bennett a few of us stepped up to ensure the football club continued to function however with the benefit of hindsight, we were not aware of the magnitude of the task in hand.

"The club director has made this decision due to historical debts accrued by the club prior to the new management team taking control. Whilst I am incredibly disappointed by this I understand why he has made this decision.

"I would like to express my thanks to Steve Butterworth and his management team who has been outstanding this season in the most difficult of circumstances. I think all would agree the football we have played this season has been extremely enjoyable to watch.

"Whilst this is the end of senior football at East Thurrock United for this season, we are delighted and relieved that the director has agreed the youth teams and Basildon Town can continue playing at the club as they have been for the foreseeable future. I hope that these children become the future of this great club.

"My final thank you is to the fans. You have been the heartbeat of this club for many years and I am sorry we were unable to do more to keep this great club going."