Sheppey United announce the passing of their manager Ernie Batten, aged 67, the man that put Sheppey United back on the footballing map

SHEPPEY UNITED have announced the passing of their manager, Ernie Batten, aged 67.

The Isthmian League South East Division club announced the sad news on their X (formerly Twitter) account at about 19:30 on Saturday evening.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernie Batten – Sheppey’s greatest football manager and one of the club’s most celebrated players,” said the Holm Park club.

“He was also the man whose vision and passion returned the club to the heart of the community and took the Ites to places Island football fans could only dream off – two promotions, six cup finals, four domestic trophies and one incredible FA Cup run, resulting in Sheppey – for the first time in our 130-odd year history – reaching The FA Cup Round One.  National acclaim and a worldwide TV audience.

“You made our dreams come true, Ernie.  Your legacy lives forever.  Goodnight gaffer.”

Sheppey United reached The FA Cup First Round and lost 4-1 at home to League Two Walsall on Friday 3 November 2023 after beating Billericay Town on penalties in the Fourth Qualifying Round Replay, following an impressive performance in Essex in the original tie.

Tributes have been written over social media.

Goalkeeper Aiden Prall, who was awarded the man-of-the-match award against Walsall, said: “Word’s don’t do justice the passion he had for Sheppey United.  He built a legacy that’ll live on.  Will always be grateful to have worked under him, a true football man and even better person.  Thanks for it all gaffer, made memories that will last a lifetime, rest in paradise.”

Ramsgate manager Ben Smith added: “Absolutely gutted to read this.  Very much puts football into perspective.  Shared the touchline many times with him, his passion for the game and Sheppey United was remarkable and he will be sorely missed in non-league.  My thoughts go out to Ian, George and family. RIP Ernie.”

Current Sevenoaks Town manager, Marcel Nimani, was Ernie’s assistant manager during their quadruple winning campaign during the 2021-22 season.

“My sincere condolences to Sheppey United Football Club, family, friends, fans and players,” posted Nimani.

“If Ernie Batten chose you as a striker, you were set for 25 plus goals a season – no one had an eye for strikers quite like he did.

“I’ll forever hold dear the unforgettable memories made in those dugouts.

“The man who gave me a once-in-a-career experience and always be a part of my journey.

“Some of the most memorable moments, which might surprise a few, were his one-liner jokes during tense times in the dugout.  The master of managing moments – the master of patience.

“Thank you, Ernie.

“May you rest in peace and discover the beautiful football that ignites that ‘fire in your belly’ you always cherished, now in heaven.”

Here's mine.

Condolences to Ernie’s wife Liz, his two sons Ian and George, current football managers at Sheppey Sports, the rest of the family, friends and everybody at Sheppey United FC during this painful time.

Ernie, a lovely man, never declined a post-match interview with me and this website and it was clear how much he loved Sheppey United and the Isle of Sheppey.

He told me many times about his pride of building Holm Park and to stage a club like Walsall in front of the ITV4 cameras in their first ever FA Cup First Round tie was a proud moment for Ernie. The game put Sheppey United on the footballing map.

When I announced to my readership on 25 November 2024 about my challenges of being diagnosed being on the autism spectrum, a few football managers got in touch, one of them being Ernie.

Part of his text message said: “Hi Stephen, hope you’re well. I read your article regarding your struggles with Autism and life….

“Just like you to know your contribution to football reporting is very respected throughout the non-league world, please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call me if you’d like a chat at any time and see you soon, Ernie.”

Ernie will be sadly missed and Saturday 15 March 2025 will go down as a dark day in Kent football.  Thank you for all those memories covering the Ites and post-match interviews.  Ernie, you’re a great man and you’re going to be missed by everyone!