Holm Park will become the Island’s ‘party central’ on Saturday as Sheppey United finally get to celebrate promotion in front of their home fans.

A crowd of more than 500 is expected to attend tomorrow’s game against Bridon Ropes - the Ites’ final fixture of a memorable season.

Celebrations will take place on and off the pitch after Sheppey’s promotion to the Southern Counties East League was confirmed last week.

For players, staff and fans alike it will be a day filled with emotion.

Sheppey’s promotion will see them play in the former Kent League, a division they graced with much success during the club’s 1970s heyday before their dissolution in the early 2000s.

As well as promotion celebrations, Saturday’s anticipated carnival atmosphere will be enhanced with a pitch-side parade of the Kent Senior Trophy which the club won earlier this month following a dramatic penalty shoot-out at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium.

Sheppey chairman Matthew Smith, said: “Saturday’s going to be a phenomenal day for everyone involved with the club.

"As chairman, I couldn’t be more proud at what Ernie and the boys have achieved and the incredible support we’ve received as the season’s progressed.

"This will be a chance for the players to thank the fans and vice versa. All the hard work on and off the pitch has paid off. Now it’s time to enjoy our success.”

Saturday will also see the official renaming of the Matt Smith Stand, which will now be known as the Jim Gray Stand. It's in honour of former Sheppey coach Jim, who died of cancer aged 52 in 2014.

Jim was instrumental in setting up the initial meeting between chairman Matthew Smith and Ites' current manager Ernie Batten which led to the club reforming under their original name and setting up home at Holm Park.

For Saturday’s 3pm kick-off, the Holm Park gates will open to supporters at 2pm. To cope with anticipated demand, temporary alfresco bars will be in place around the ground.

Mr Smith added: “This has been one of the most momentous seasons in Sheppey’s long history. We’d like as many fans as possible to come and enjoy the party.”