The club currently play in the Central Division of the Southern League but like many other non-league clubs are struggling to pay huge travelling costs which are not being paid for by big attendances at home matches.
The Atherstone Town Board have requested to leave their current league and return to the Midland Alliance 'in order to make continuation a more viable option'.
A copy of their letter to the Southern League is as follows:
"It is with great sadness and reluctance that we, Atherstone Town Football Club,
have to advise of our notification to resign from the Southern Football League at
the end of the current season (2010-2011)
The decision has taken considerable thought and deliberation. Unfortunately, current
economic circumstances mean that we are unable to continue with the level of costs
required to maintain a football club at this level.
We are in the same position that many clubs find themselves. Ironically, in terms of
non-debt, we are in a comfortable position, but our capacity to raise income is very
limited.
We wish the Southern Football League a happy Christmas and all the best for the
future. When our finances permit and fortune favours us on the pitch, we also hope
one day to make a return. A sad day for all at Atherstone Football club.
on behalf of the Board
Atherstone Town Football Club"