The club was saddened to learn of the death of our former player and Sheppey United manager Ernie Batten.

The 67-year-old ex-striker played for the Fleet in two spells in 1985 and 1986, scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances.

He had been a proven goalscorer at his other clubs and was signed towards the end of the 1984/85 season from Chelmsford with the financial help of five local businessman for a four-figure fee.

He had previously been with Hastings, Maidstone United, Folkestone, Romford, Sheppey United, Crystal Palace and Charlton. He left to return to Hastings in early 1986 but came back to the Fleet for a shorter second spell at the end of that year.

Ernie became something of a legend at Sheppey as both manager and director, winning two promotions, six cup finals, four domestic trophies, and an FA Cup run to the First Round for the first time in the Ites’ 130-plus-year history.

Everyone at the club sends our sincerest sympathies and thoughts to Ernie’s family, friends and all at Sheppey United.