Our Team
-
Chairman - Steve Manning
As Chairman of Sheppey United FC, Steve Manning is dedicated to driving the club forward both on and off the pitch. With a passion for football and a commitment to the local community, he plays a key role in shaping the club’s vision, fostering strong partnerships, and ensuring long-term success. Under his leadership, Sheppey United continues to grow, striving for excellence while staying true to its proud history and values.
-
Vice Chairman - Lee Allen
As Vice Chairman of Sheppey United FC, Lee Allen plays a vital role in the club’s growth and development. Working closely with the Chairman, he helps drive the club’s strategic direction, strengthen commercial partnerships, and enhance community engagement. His dedication and leadership ensure Sheppey United continues to thrive both on and off the pitch. Lee is also responsible for 1st team media, 1st team kit man and 1st team general manager role..
-
Vice Chairman - Dave Ingram
Dave follows in his late fathers steps as Vice Chairman of the Club. Dave brings a wealth of experience on the business and hospitality side, as well as a lot of local connections.
-
Treasurer – Kevin Long
Kevin Long manages the club’s finances, ensuring stability and growth. His expertise in financial planning helps Sheppey United FC remain sustainable and ambitious.
-
Marketing Director – Billie Halladay
Billie Halladay is responsible for promoting Sheppey United FC, enhancing its presence through digital and traditional media, and engaging with fans and sponsors.
-
Youth Chairman – Gary Seamark
Gary leads the club’s youth development program, nurturing young talent and ensuring the next generation of players thrives at Sheppey United FC.
-
Darren Cooper
Darren leads Sheppey United Women with passion, dedication, and years of football experience. He’s committed to developing the squad both on and off the pitch, creating an environment where players can thrive.
-
Facilities Manager – Jim Cook
Jim Cook oversees the maintenance and development of the club’s facilities, ensuring players, staff, and fans enjoy a top-quality environment at Holm Park.
-
Match Secretary - Alan Jack
Alan Jack is responsible for organising fixtures, liaising with leagues and officials, and ensuring matchdays run seamlessly. His attention to detail is key to the club’s on-field success.
-
Club Assistant Welfare Officer And Safeguarding Board Champion - Lucy Thomsettist Item
Lucy plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone at the club. Approachable and supportive, she’s dedicated to safeguarding players and upholding the highest standards of care.
-
Programme Editor - Paul Bass
Paul is the creative mind behind the Sheppey United matchday programme. His attention to detail and love for the game ensure supporters are kept informed and entertained every match.
-
Club Secretary - Jon Longhurst
Jon Longhurst ensures the smooth operation of Sheppey United FC, overseeing administrative duties, governance, and compliance. His dedication keeps the club running efficiently both behind the scenes and on matchdays.
Contact: jon.longhurst@hotmail.com
-
Vets Manager - Dan Wiseman
Dan has managed the Vets since they were formed at Sheppey United in 2023. Dan has also coached with the Sheppey United Youth section previously.
-
Commercial Director – Chloe Gardner
Chloe Gardner leads the club’s commercial strategy, securing sponsorships, partnerships, and revenue streams. Her work strengthens the club’s relationship with the business community.
-
Owner - Liz Batten
Liz is one of the driving forces behind Sheppey United, bringing her vision and commitment to growing the clubs family feel. She’s passionate about building opportunities for players and strengthening community ties.
-
Owner - Emma Batten
Emma shares ownership of the club alongside Liz, with a focus on sustainability and development. She plays a key role in guiding Sheppey United’s future and championing football for all in the area.
Behind the Scenes
Boardroom Hospitality Host – Wilma Jack
Club Ambassador – Geoff Record
Maintenance/cleaning – Jim Cook and Sheppey volunteers
Changing Rooms Assistant – Nicola Allen
Head Groundsman – Roger Pullen
Youth pitches – Kev Heaton & Mark Dakin
Venue Manager – Emma Weekes
Stewarding – Sheppey Stewards
Club Photographers – Paul Richards, Marc Richards, Oliver Belcher
Programme Editor – Paul Bass
Stadium Announcer – Paul Wils Wilson, (Kev Long as cover)
Club Chaplain – Matt Spocchia
Club Shop – Guido & Rob Spocchia
Disability & Inclusion Officer – Penny Woods
1st Team Social Media – Lee Allen & Tyler Ross
50/50 - Jim Cook & Jo Jeal
Bus Stop - Nicola Allen
Half Term Soccer School - Penny Woods & Tyler Ross
Club Historian - Alan Jack
Men’s First Team
1st Team Manager -Kevin Watson
Assistant Manager – Tommy Osborne
General Manager & Kit Man – Lee Allen
Goalkeeper Coach – Adam Wicketts (“Beefy”)
Sports Therapist – Erin Rose
Coaching Support – Tyler Ross
Club Captain – Danny Leonard
Vice Captain – Dan Bradshaw / Billy Bennett
Women’s First Team
Women’s Manager – Waine Blackburn
Women’s Assistant Manager – Gary Bareham, Darren Cooper
Women’s Media – Billie Halladay
Youth Committee
Youth Chairman – Gary Seamark
Vice Youth Chairman – Ross Wiles
Youth Secretary– Luke Crouch
Youth Treasurer – Kev Long
Assistant Secretary (Maidstone & Kent Youth) – Kev Heaton
Assistant Secretary (Medway) – Charlie Lowe
Fixtures and Referee Secretary – Luke Crouch
Other Members: Azza Gray, Shaun Monathan, Newman Luke, Nick Thompson
2025/26 Youth
U18s Reds Manager – Gary Seamark
U18s Manager – Darren Wakefield
U16s Manager – Stephen Santry
U15s Manager – Kris Sunderland
U14s Girls Manager – Dean Gilson
U14s Manager – Daniel Goodwin
U13s Manager – Michael Baughan
U13s Reds Manager – Brad Penny
U12s Reds Manager – Ross Wiles
U12s Whites Manager – Mark Hughes
U12s Reds Girls Manager – Adam Johnson
Men’s Development Team
Development Team (U23s) Manager– Shaun Monahan
Assistant Manager – Gregg McHardy
Coaches – Newman Luke
Goalkeeping Coach – Adam Wicketts
Vets
Veterans Manager – Dan Wiseman
Veterans Assistant Manager – Graham Robinson
Veterans First Aider – Justin Hodge
Community
Mascot – Kelvin Robins (Lenny the Lion)
U11s Whites Manager – Jamie Norris
U11s Reds Manager – Nick Thompson
U11s Blacks Manager – Nick Brooker
U10s Manager – Aaron Gray
U10s Reds Manager – Mark Hornsby
U10s Girls Manager – Talia Goldhill
U8s Manager – Josh Mitchell
U7s Whites Manager – Rob Spocchia
U7s Reds Manager – Luke Crouch
Mini Ites (4-6yrs) Head Coach – Rob Spocchia
For any questions or queries relating to our youth teams, please contact enquiries@sheppeyunitedfc.co.uk
Club Ownership
Sheppey United Football Club Limited (No. – 08391263) can confirm that the following own a significant interest (i.e. 10% or more) in the Club:
Mrs Elizabeth Batten
Miss Emma Batten
Registered Address: Havenhurst, Linton Hill, Maidstone, Kent. ME17 4AT
Our History
The Four Eras of Sheppey United FC
1890 – 1992: The Botany Road Era
Sheppey United FC was founded in 1890 following a merger between Sheerness Victoria and Invicta, playing their first match on September 20, 1890, against Sittingbourne. A match report dubbed the team "The Sheppeyites," inspiring the club's nickname, "The Ites", which remains today.
Sheppey United quickly became pioneers in football, founding members of both the Southern League and the Kent League in 1894. Their early years saw promotion battles, FA Cup appearances, and multiple Kent League titles, with the first-team and reserves dominating the league in the early 20th century.
Through the years, Sheppey United navigated various competitions, including the Aetolian League, Greater London League, and Metropolitan League, before rejoining the Kent League in 1972. The club enjoyed considerable success, securing multiple league championships and cup victories.
However, the late 1980s and early 1990s saw the club struggle financially, and despite winning the 1994–95 Kent League title, the sale of Botany Road in 1992 marked the beginning of a difficult period.
1992 – 2013: The Nomadic Years
The sale of Botany Road led to a period of instability. The club initially continued its success, winning the Kent League title while ground-sharing at Faversham Town. However, the lack of a permanent home forced the club into a nomadic existence, moving from Faversham to Canterbury, then to Sittingbourne.
Attendance dwindled as fans grew disenchanted with traveling off the island for "home" games. Financial difficulties mounted, and in March 2001, Sheppey United resigned from the Kent League, resulting in the club folding at senior level.
A revival attempt came in 2003, with the club re-entering football as AFC Sheppey, competing in the Kent County League. A promotion in their first season signaled hope, but challenges remained. The club briefly adopted the AFC Sheppey name in 2007 before reverting to its original identity in 2010.
2013 – 2016: The Rebirth
In 2013, Sheppey United merged with Sheerness East FC to form Sheppey & Sheerness United FC, competing in the Kent County League Premier Division. The club relocated to Holm Park, a ground that would soon undergo major investment and redevelopment.
A successful 2013/14 campaign saw the club finish runners-up in the league and lift the Kent FA Intermediate Challenge Shield. By 2014, the club proudly restored its original name: Sheppey United FC.
Holm Park was transformed with a new clubhouse, floodlights, leveled pitches, and new dressing rooms. On the pitch, the club thrived, finishing second in the Kent Invicta League in 2015/16, securing promotion to the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division.
The 2016 season was historic, with Sheppey United lifting the Kent Senior Trophy, defeating Ashford United in a dramatic penalty shootout final in front of 870 fans at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium. Meanwhile, Holm Park’s revival was showcased when 715 supporters attended a home game against Glebe.
2016 – Present: The Return to Kent League Football
Since returning to Step 4 of the Non-League pyramid, Sheppey United has established itself as a force in Kent football. A sixth-place finish in the first season back was a solid achievement, and the club has continued its steady rise, driven by ambition, investment, and a loyal fanbase.
In line with our growth and commitment to the game, we proudly launched our Women’s First Team, further strengthening our club’s presence and providing a platform for female footballers to thrive.
The journey continues...