Sheppey United appoint Nick Davis as their new assistant manager: Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two forward

SHEPPEY UNITED have appointed Nick Davis as their new assistant manager, replacing Barry Morgan who was named Rochester United’s new manager last week.

Davis, 36, spent six years at Isthmian League club Sittingbourne as a player and then manager and was unveiled as Ernie Batten’s number two last night.

“Yes, it’s good to be back involved.  It was nice to have a break but it was always the plan to get back before the start of the new season as I didn’t want to be out of it for too long,” said Davis, who revealed he has hung up his boots on his playing career.

“I’ve been talking to Ernie for the past couple of months and decided at this time it was the right move for me.

“It’s a unique situation down at Sheppey, exciting times and I was taken back by the facilities, structure but most importantly the ambition.

“It’s quite refreshing to hear Ernie and (chairman) Matt Smith talking about the plans the club have going forward, where they want the club to be and you can’t buy that fan base.

“Sometimes you have to take a step back to take two forward and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”

The Ites finished their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign in eleventh-place last season and were beaten 2-1 by league runners-up Whitstable Town in the Kent Reliance Senior Trophy Final on 8 April.

The club have announced their first two summer signings in versatile Conrad Lee (Sittingbourne) and striker Rob Denness (Hollands & Blair), but central defender Rob Saunders has left Holm Park to sign for newly-promoted to the Bostik South East Division side Sevenoaks Town.

Visit Sheppey United’s website: www.sheppeyunitedfc.co.uk