FOUR Marks were reluctantly forced to turn down promotion to the Hampshire Premier League top flight.

The east Hampshire club earned the right to play Premier Division football after winning Division One last term.

But, within days of adding the Aldershot Intermediate Cup to their impressive 2016/17 trophy haul, manager Luke Bewley stepped down, triggering a break-up of their title-winning team.

A Four Marks FC statement confirmed: “It is with great regret that the club have had to decline promotion to the Hants Premier due to the lack of applicants for the post of first-team manager and players leaving the club after a very successful season last year.”

Meanwhile Sway, the promoted Division One runners-up, will kick of the new Premier Division season at Liphook United on Saturday, August 5.

Bush Hill, the runaway Premier Division champions, have a home opener against Liss Athletic.

Opening week's fixtures - New Forest Care Hampshire Premier League.

Saturday, August 5.

Premier Division: Bush Hill v Liss Athletic, Clanfield v Overton, Fleetlands v Hedge End Rangers, Hayling Utd v Stockbridge, Infinity v Colden Common, Liphook Utd v Sway, QK Southampton v Paulsgrove, Winchester Castle v Locks Heath.

Tuesday, August 8.

Combination Division (6.45pm kick-offs): Fleetlands v Hedge End Rangers, Four Marks v Winchester Castle, Hayling Utd v Paulsgrove.

Wednesday, August 9.

Combination Division (6.45pm kick-offs): QK Southampton v Michelmersh & Timsbury (TBC).

Saturday, August 12.

Premier Division: Clanfield v Bush Hill, Hayling Utd v Colden Common, Infinity v Overton, Liphook v Hedge End Rangers, Paulsgrove v Winchester Castle, QK Southampton v Locks Heath, Stockbridge v Fleetlands, Sway v Liss Athletic.

Division One: AFC Petersfield v Lyndhurst, Netley Central Sports v Four Marks, South Wonston Swifts v Headley Utd, Upham v Michelmersh & Timsbury.

Combination Division: Bush Hill v Liphook, Fleetlands v Headley, Four Marks v Michelmersh & Timsbury, Overton v Clanfield, Winchester Castle v QK Southampton.