Ernie Batten says Sheppey are in no rush to appoint a new manager.

Director of football Batten is looking after the team while he leads the search for Jack Midson’s successor at Holm Park.

There’s been plenty of interest in the role but with changes in the boardroom following chairman Matt Smith’s resignation, Batten is keen to ensure the Ites are stable behind the scenes before appointing a new boss.

“Obviously we are still looking for a new manager but there’s a lot going on at the football club and a lot of things to resolve since Matt stepped down,” said Batten, who led Sheppey to the quadruple in his previous spell in charge.

“Me filling in for the time being works for us in terms of getting the club settled back down and back on an even keel.

“Tony Hughes has come in as chairman and there’s a fantastic group of people here.

“The committee have really stepped up and we’re doing all we can because Matt did an awful lot for the club.

“A lot of that was under his control and, because of that, a lot of the committee weren’t aware of procedures and what it takes to make the club run.

“I think it became really apparent how much Matt had put into the club but we’ve got a fantastic team and I’m very proud of the way they’ve all stepped up and are working hard to get the club stable and running smoothly.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in the manager’s job - very high-calibre applicants - and I’m working through that process, albeit quite slowly because when a new manager comes in, I’m keen he comes into a club where everything has settled down.

“I don’t want him to come in when there’s disruptions and still things to sort out.”

Batten stood down as manager on the eve of last season, moving into a director of football role.

He’s enjoyed being back in the dugout as caretaker boss - overseeing a 2-2 draw at Broadbridge Heath in the Ites’ Isthmian South East opener on Saturday.

“It brings it all flooding back,” said Batten, who has not ruled out remaining in charge.

“I loved my time as manager at Sheppey.

“I’ve run youth teams, reserve teams and the first team in management.

“I’ve been doing it all my life and you work ever so hard over the years to gain success.

“To get that success was fantastic and I’ve missed being in the dugout - it becomes part of your DNA.

“I’m pleased to be back and I’m enjoying it for now.”

As for the possibility of staying on as manager, Batten said: “I’m not ruling it out.

“You can never say never but the plan at the moment is to appoint someone else.

“We’ll see how things progress over the coming days and weeks.”

Sheppey’s fitness at Broadbridge concerned Batten and he’ll be working on that as the Ites prepare to host Midhurst & Easebourne in the FA Cup Preliminary Round on Saturday (3pm).

“The type of things we’ll be working on over the next few weeks will be to get the squad fully organised and fully fit,” he said.

“I think on Saturday our fitness levels during the game weren't as good as they could have been.

“With the disruption over the summer (with Midson leaving), I’m not sure what sort of pre-season the lads have had but they need to get up to speed quickly if they’re going to compete.

“Broadbridge had endless energy - they outdid us in that department - and on Sunday I went to watch Erith & Belvedere v Ashford, who were both very fit sides.

“That’s your starting point and we’ll be working on that with the lads and towards patterns of play and the style we want to adopt.”

Cup opponents Midhurst play a level below Sheppey in the Southern Combination League.

Batten said: “I’m very much looking forward to the game.

“Any draw at home is a good draw and we’re confident we can get a result but you can’t take anything for granted in the FA Cup.

“They’ll come to Holm Park, with a big crowd, and look to raise their game for a one-off occasion.”