Criminals cut through cables supplying electricity to half of the floodlights at Rothwell Town Football Club between Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Club chairman Peter Bradley said: “This could be the end of Rothwell Football Club. The repairs could cost between £20,000 and £30,000 – and that’s money the club just does not have.”

News of the damage reached Mr Bradley on Thursday after a groundsman found the cut cables.

The lights were used by the club for training on October 2 and no damage was evident the following day when the pitch was cut.

There are six floodlights at the ground, three on each side.

The cables of the lights facing the club’s main stand were slashed – and about a foot of cabling pulled out of the ground and taken.

Mr Bradley said: “The cables are copper but I really don’t think this is the work of metal thieves as so little has been taken. This has been done deliberately.”

The club, which plays in the Southern League Midlands Division, is required to have floodlights at its ground.

Rothwell’s home game against Leamington next weekend had already been moved forward to Friday night – so as not to clash with the following day’s England international.

However, the club may now have to move the game back to its original date so it can play the game in daylight.

Mr Bradley said: “If we have to move the game again we could lose more money.”

Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry was at the Rothwell club this week as part of a fundraising after dinner speaking night.

Mr Bradley said: “Barry was great, he told some great stores and everyone enjoyed the night.”

Anyone with any information about the theft and vandalism can call police on 08453700700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.