The New Roaders have received confirmation that they will return to Division One next season for the first time since 2004.

Manager Tony Pierce said: "It's very good news indeed. It's going to be a big challenge, but it's something everybody seems up for and it's another big step in our progression."

Rye were previously elevated to Division One in 2001 and, aided by a memorable last day victory at Hellingly in 2003, remained there for three seasons.

They then spent two years blighted by opponents cancelling matches at the 11th hour in Division Two East before joining the inaugural Intermediate League last term.

Pierce's troops looked on course for nothing more than a mid-table spot following a mid-season slump, but a storming finish saw them only narrowly miss out on the title.

The top two finishers, Haywards Heath III and Holbrook, have gone up with Rye as Division One expands to 12 clubs, including non-first XVs. Other ports of call for Rye during the 2008-09 programme will include Brighton, Crawley, Hove II, Lewes II and Uckfield.

They will kick-off their 22 league games at home to Pulborough on Saturday September 13.

"There's been a certain amount of trepidation about going up the last couple of years, but everybody seems quite positive this time," added Pierce.

The entire club seems to be going from strength to strength at present with the second team improving all the time and the under-17s showing much promise for the future.

Rye even managed to field a girls' side last season and, off the field, the hard work put in on the clubhouse is really paying off.

Rye's 2008-09 Sussex Division One fixtures: September 13 Pulborough (h), September 20 Holbrook (a), September 27 Brighton (h), October 4 Hove II (a), October 11 Lewes II (h), October 25 Crawley (h), November 1 Uckfield (a), November 8 Burgess Hill (h), November 15 Hellingly (a), November 29 Seaford (h), December 6 Haywards Heath III (a), December 20 Hellingly (h), January 10 Burgess Hill (a), January 24 Uckfield (h), January 31 Crawley (a), February 14 Lewes II (a), February 21 Hove II (h), March 7 Brighton (a), March 14 Holbrook (h), March 28 Pulborough (a), April 4 Haywards Heath III (h), April 18 Seaford (a).