Sheppey have been rocked by the departure of assistant manager Marcel Nimani on the eve of the new season.

Manager Ernie Batten and Nimani guided the club to a unique quadruple last season, claiming the Southern Counties East (SCEFL) Premier Division title, claiming and then retaining the Kent Senior Trophy and landing the SCEFL Challenge Cup.

The Ites will kick-off their Isthmian South East campaign at home to Chichester City on August 13, a week after their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round trip to Essex Senior League side Athletic Newham.

But Nimani says after “a recent development at the club of which - on this occasion - did not represent my views” he has decided to leave Holm Park.

In an open letter on the club website on Sunday, he said: “A huge congratulations to the club for a historic season.

“After three seasons, I’m extremely proud to have achieved everything that we set out to do; [getting] Sheppey United FC representing this wonderful island in the Isthmian League.

“Following [on] from a recent development at the club of which - on this occasion - did not represent my views, after serious thought and reflection, I believe now is the right time for me to move on.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision and, while heavy-hearted, I leave the club in a better place and personally leave the club as a better and more experienced person and, for that, I am eternally grateful to the club.

“I would like to thank everyone at the club - from the stewards, club staff and, of course, the ever so kind ITES fans for making me and my family feel at home.

“An extended thank you goes to the people that I worked with the closest, the chairmen Matt Smith and Gary Seamark – two fantastic people who drive the club in the right direction, as well as Ernie Batten.

“Over the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to coach some of the region's finest gentlemen. Thank you to all the players, you have all been a joy and a delight to coach - you are the true champions.

“Lastly, ‘my gang’ of coaches that I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside in this journey; Craig Coles, Lee Allen, Jack Midson, Kieran Gooding, Mike King and Josh Hall - thank you gentlemen - it has been honorary and educational.

“To everyone associated with the club, I wish you all generation after generation of success.”

Joint-chairman Matt Smith says he tried to convince Nimani to stay but to no avail.

He said: “I was extremely disappointed to receive Marcel’s resignation and tried everything in my power to keep him at the club.

“This is a sad day for everyone at the football club given Marcel’s organisational skills and positive impact since coming into the club three years ago.

“Marcel has become a friend to me as well as an assistant manager, and I wish him well in his footballing journey.

“During his spell at the club, we have seen our most successful season, winning four trophies last term. Marcel and the coaching team were instrumental in that success.

“As joint-chairman and following this resignation, I shall speak with the committee and make further announcements during this coming week.”