FC Stratford have withdrawn from the United Counties League Premier Division South in a dramatic turn of events following last season's promotion.

The club informed the league and Football Association of its decision on Thursday, with UCL fixture director Roger Walker confirming that attempts had been made to persuade Stratford to remain in the competition.

Walker said: "We thought we could persuade them to stay, but on Thursday they confirmed it."

The announcement came as a surprise, with FC Stratford still promoting Saturday's scheduled league fixture against St Neots on social media on Thursday.

However, the club subsequently confirmed on Saturday that the match had been postponed.

The withdrawal comes after a turbulent period for the club, who won the Hellenic League Division One title last season to secure promotion to the Premier Division South.

Manager Adam Parker, who guided the Bears to the title, subsequently left to take charge of Pershore Town.

Arron Cheshire was appointed as his replacement but resigned in October, before chairman Steve Sykes also departed the club two weeks ago.

No official reason has yet been given for FC Stratford's decision to leave the league.

Any decision on FC Stratford’s future place in the National League System, should the club reapply, will be made by the Football Association.