HURSTPIERPOINT have chosen to resign from the Southern Combination League so they can rebuild at Step 8 of the Non-League Pyramid.
The West Sussex club endured a tough campaign and finished bottom of the Southern Combination Division Two last season, winning just two of their 30 league games, conceding 129 times.
They have been playing in the Southern Combination, formerly the Sussex County League, since the formation of its third tier in 1983.
However, they will be returning to the Mid Sussex League next season rather than waiting to see if they will remain at Step 7.
The Southern Combination remains the club’s ambition but they say they “want to be there on merit” after another season of struggle.
A club statement said: “Hurstpierpoint Football Club have this week informed the Southern Combination Football League of our decision to resign from the league.
“The club has played in the league since the formation of Division 3 in 1983, and has enjoyed some enjoyable seasons at intermediate level; most recently in 2013-14 when we lifted the Sussex Intermediate Cup.
“Amongst the highlights, there have been some difficult seasons for the club when we’ve finished at the wrong end of the league table. Often we’ve survived relegation on the basis that teams in feeder divisions have not had adequate facilities, or other clubs were folding.
“Last season was no different for the club, and rather than wait for a decision from the league, we have decided that it’s time to step down divisions and rebuild the club in the Mid Sussex Football League.
“Playing in the SCFL will remain our ambition, and we will strive to maintain the same high standards off of the pitch that we have previously set ourselves. But if and when we return to that level, we want to be there on merit.
“Whilst it may initially be seen as a sad day for the club, the committee are incredibly excited about the future at Hurstpierpoint Football Club; a future that we were unlikely to have without making a change.”
