ROSS Town have decided to leave Hellenic League football and return to their county roots.

The club, who have finished bottom of the Sport Italia Hellenic League Division 1 West for the last two seasons, have rejoined the Hereford Times Herefordshire League.

The South Herefordshire club have been allocated a place in the league's Division 1 where they will have a local derby fixture with Weston to look forward to.

The villagers, who finished bottom of the Premier Division last season, have been relegated and will be replaced in the top flight by Widemarsh Rangers who will be getting their first taste of senior football.

Three other new clubs have had their entry into the league confirmed next season with Bucknell United, Hampton Park Rangers and Toros FC joining the competition in Division 3.

There is also a possibility of a fifth new arrival with a late application from Bosbury under consideration.

If their application is approved by the management committee then they will also join the league in Division 3.

The new season will get underway on Wednesday, August 25 with the league Shield clash between Wellington Rangers and Sutton United at Westfields' allpay.park ground with the first Premier Division fixtures taking place the following weekend.

Divisions 1, 2 and 3 will begin their league programmes on Saturday, September 4.

In order to prevent clubs from calling off games indiscriminately for reasons other than pitch conditions, the league will now fine and deduct three points from teams postponing matches without good reason.

At the league's annual meeting on Monday, president Ron Marshall, vice-president the Mayor of Hereford, chairman Mike Best and vice-chairman Alan Stokes were re-elected to their posts.

Secretary Derek Senior, treasurer Pete Stead and referees' secretary Peter West will also continue in office.

Management committee, Premier Division: Ken Alden (Pegasus), Terry Marsh (Lads Club), Graham Goodfellow (Hinton), Bill Bloxsome (Leominster); Division 1: Ian Phillips (Ross Town), Chris Smith (Stoke Prior); Division 2: Lee Davies (Weobley), Martin Oliver (Bartonsham); Division 3: Steve Greaves (Kingstone), Gareth Cottrell (Toros).

League Constitution Premier (16): Bartestree, Colwall Rangers, Bromyard Town, Ewyas Harold, Fownhope, Hinton, Lads Club, Kington Town, Ledbury Town, Leominster Town, Pegasus, Sutton United, Wellington Rangers, Westfields, Widemarsh Rangers, Woofferton.

Division 1 (10): Ewyas Harold Res, Fownhope Reserves, Holme Lacy, Kington Town Reserves, Orcop Juniors, Ross Town, Shobdon, Stoke Prior, Wellington Rangers Colts, Weston.

Division 2 (11): Bartestree Reserves, Bartonsham, Burghill, Civil Service, Lads Club Colts, Leintwardine Colts, Orleton, Pegasus Colts, Ross Town Reserves, Weobley, Woofferton Reserves.

Division 3 (11): Bartestree Colts, Bucknell United, Dore Valley, Eardisley, Hampton Park Rangers, Holme Lacy Reserves, Kingstone Rovers, Pencombe, Presteigne Colts, Ross, Toros.