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 ChaplainMatt 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...