Former United goalscoring legend, Ernie Batten, has lead Sheppey United to promotion to the Isthmian league. I guess they will be joining the league we are on the point of leaving. It will be a shame to miss Ernie back at the Pilot Field.
Delighted to see Ernie doing well. One of my earliest footballing memories is his winning goal in a home FA Trophy replay against a higher level Yeovil Town side managed by Malcolm Allison back in February 1981.
I also have a much sketchier memory of an 8-0 win at home to Sheppey in the Eastern Floodlight League, which must have occurred at around the same time. I might have the wrong opponents though, as I was only 9 or 10 at the time and I didn't keep stats in those days.
Been watching Sheppey United on and off as my son lived there for 15 years, up until 2019.
They have a great set-up and superb little ground, which is always been improved etc. They have spent a lot of money in the last ten years.
They deserve promotion and getting back into a higher level of football.
Ernie Batten spent most of his playing career either playing for Hastings or Sheppey.
AS we will now not get the opportunity to play them next season in the league, due to our own promotion, it would be nice if the clubs could arrange a pre-season friendly between the two teams. I am sure Ernie would love to have a day out at the Pilot Field again.
