The confirmation comes via a statement on the Football League's official website after the Pilgrims issued a 'Notice of Intention' to appoint an administrator earlier today.

The statement read: "The Football League can confirm that Plymouth Argyle Football Club have been deducted 10 points with immediate effect.

"This sporting sanction has been implemented following receipt of formal confirmation that the club had filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator with the High Court."

The League One club have faced winding-up orders this season and it was revealed last week that players and staff have still not been paid their wages for January.

Manager Peter Reid said: "We are going to have to produce Championship form to stay up. It's going to be a battle, I don't mind a battle. There are people worse off than us, we have to get on with it."

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway offered his sympathy to Plymouth and their boss Peter Reid on hearing the news.

Holloway spent 17 months in charge of Argyle between 2006 and 2007, and said: "It breaks my heart to think that Plymouth could be wound up.

"Their supporters don't deserve that - what have they done?

"You have got to look at the management of it, the money that was brought in, how it has been spent and whether players have given value for money. Unfortunately it doesn't look like they have.

"I feel sorry for Peter Reid - I think he has had no chance whatsoever. He is a great fella and it is a great club. I felt that at the time I was there and unfortunately in my business, sometimes you have to leave.

"Was it right? No. Did I get that wrong? Yes, I did. But do I want to see them go under? Absolutely no way.

"I've got some fantastic friends who are Plymouth Argyle through-and-through who I am still in contact with and part of me will always be there as well."