DEREK Hack, virtually the last man standing at Whitchurch United, joked: "When I leave, I'll switch the light off behind me."

But deep down he knows United's plight is no laughing matter with the north Hampshire club standing on the brink of closure after 101 years of football

Since chairman Tony Chivers resigned nearly three months ago, there has been an alarming exodus of officials from Longmeadow.

The lack of bodies is so severe that one of Hampshire's oldest and proudest clubs now have until January 31 to decide if they can carry on next season.

Were they to withdraw from the Wessex League any later they would incur a hefty fine - something their diminishing coffers could ill afford.

Within a month of Chivers leaving, vice-chairman Russell Thomas followed him out of the Longmeadow door with treasurer Alison Thomas (no relation) hot on his heels.

That left Hack and secretary Jo Cozzi, but Cozzi has now resigned due to pressure of work.

Other than Hack, the only other committee members are his son Damian, a United player, Tony Swimmer, who runs the line for the reserves, and husband and wife Jo and Steve Dixon, who take care of the gate and laundry.

As if that wasn't serious enough, Whitchurch are now without a manager too. Jim Macey got so wound up by the controversial refereeing decision that led to a 1-0 defeat at Ringwood a fortnight ago that he quit. "Jim frightened himself as well as his young son, who was at the game, with the way he let the pressure get to him," said Hack.

"I'm not going to kill myself over this either, but if Whitchurch were to fold it would appal me. I've been associated with the club on and off for 36 years and made my debut as a 15-year-old.

"Since then I've held every position there and done a lot of the groundwork too, but I can't do it all and I've got to look after my own health and my family.

"It would be a sad day to see the club close. We've got the facilities and potential to be a good club and it would be crying shame if it all came to nothing for the sake of not having enough people helping out.

"We need a manager, chairman, secretary, the lot - plus someone to back the club. I've not got the funds to do it myself, but local companies - bar one or two - just aren't interested. It doesn't help that we don't get many people along to watch our games. Some that do come in at half-time so they don't have to pay."

Whitchurch, who were relegated to Wessex 2 last season, are at Romsey Town tomorrow.

Hack can be contacted on 07968 008715 (mobile) or 01256 896882 (h).