Sheppey United are wasting no time in replacing one of their key men from this season’s quadruple-winning side.

Central defender Jahmal Howlett-Mundle has decided to look for a new challenge after three seasons at the club, playing 76 times.

His departure is a blow to the Ites but talks were taking place this week with two individuals, one of whom the club hope to sign. One of those players the club have targeted has most recently been with a National League South side.

Commenting on Howlett-Mundle’s departure, assistant boss Marcel Nimani said: “Jahmal was professional on the training pitch and also a consistent performer for us on the pitch, but after three years unfortunately he has decided to move on.

“He leaves us on great terms and we hope that in the future we can work with him again. We already have two candidates who we are looking at to replace Jahmal. We have two on the line and hope to land one of them.

“We have to move quickly, we are a very proactive club and it is a very competitive market. There are many clubs now who are looking to compete for [promotion] next year and we aspire to be one of them.”

Howlett-Mundle, who made the headlines after coming out as bisexual before the season started, enjoyed his time at the club.

He said: “It has not been an easy decision to leave by any stretch of the imagination.

“I am leaving players and management, fans and volunteers that have allowed me to express myself and enjoy football again.

“The on and off-field support I have received from all at the club during my time here has given me the confidence to be myself in the changing room and whilst playing, which I will be eternally grateful for.”

Sheppey will hope to keep hold of as many players from this season’s squad as they build towards challenging in the Isthmian League next term. The club have already announced that supporters’ player-of-the-year Billy Bennett, Liam Gillies and Renford Tenyue will be staying but midfielder Helge Orome is leaving.

“We are looking to retain pretty much everyone,” Nimani said.

“A couple of players have decided to move on, that is only normal at this time of the year, looking for new adventures.

“There are only a few positions we need to improve on, we have a good squad and our ambition is to try again this year and see what we can achieve.

“The more that stay the less we sign, so it depends on who agrees to stay from the current squad.”