Sheppey United’s departing chairman Matt Smith says he’s learned lessons from his time at the club – as he seeks out a new challenge.

Mr Smith’s decision to stand down as club chairman was announced on Sunday.

A successful 11-year stint in charge at Sheppey has seen the team rise from the Kent County League to become a competitive side in Isthmian South East while their home ground at Holm Park is unrecognisable from when he first stepped into the role.

Mr Smith messaged club staff, informing them of his decision to stand down, saying that he no longer had any fight in him for the club.

He wrote: “I now no longer recognise the club I along with a number of you, loving[ly] built from nothing.

“Ernie (fellow club director) and Liz (Batten) have played a huge part in that journey with the massive investment along with myself on the Holm Park we see today.

“When I walked into the old ground I could feel the potential flowing through the ground and community, whilst that very community may have played a small part in my resignation, we should not all forget the good times we have enjoyed under my chairmanship.

“My resignation is something that has been drawn out over the last three years in all honesty but I no longer have any fight in me for Sheppey United FC.”

Mr Smith is now keen to look at other opportunities in football.

He said: “Whilst I am disappointed my resignation email has been made so very public I stand by everything contained.

“I am immensely proud of what I personally achieved at Sheppey but in life as we all know, time moves on and this chapter is now closed and forms part of the football club’s rich tapestry of history.

“I can look in any mirror at home and know I always did what was right for the football club despite being pushed to the limit on more than one occasion.

“Sheppey is a fantastic club that I along with numerous other people put back on the footballing map and I hope the club continues the progress it made during my 11 years as chairman from its rebirth back in 2012.

“I am sure Ernie Batten (director of football) will decide which manager is the best fit for the club and get him appointed ASAP to allay any fears the Sheppey supporters currently have, and then along with the remaining committee will make sure the club have a successful season and thus continue the club’s ongoing progression.

“My time and journey in football is not over as I still have a huge passion and drive that will continue at any new football club that will have me!

“I have been contacted with a few offers already but I need to take some time to ensure I get everything right as I will not make the same mistakes I did previously at Sheppey United FC Limited.

“My phone has been non-stop with messages from the local footballing community, and I thank every single one of you for your kind words, it means a lot to know I was respected. As soon as I decide on the next chapter you will be the first to know as I feel sure everyone on social media will have an opinion anyhow!”

Mr Smith’s resignation email referred to a ‘frenzied social media attack’ on himself and others that was the ‘final straw’ for him as chairman. His 25% share of the club is available to “anyone who feels they have the drive to continue the crusade we all first started”.

He added that: “It’s quite telling that as the man that cared so very much for the club, its image and badge did so, whilst not actually owning the club outright, a mistake I will not make again.”

Following his departure, a club statement said: “When the Ites first took residence at Holm Park it was little more than an empty field but now boasts one of the best stadium facilities in the South East, which is in use on a daily basis, and not just for SUFC.

“On the pitch the Ites have seen a remarkable climb, where we now sit as an established Step Four Isthmian League side - along with promotions from the lower leagues there have been many cup successes, too.

“Developing for our future, Matt was also key along with Gary Seamark (Youth Chairman) in the vision of the youth structure which now sees us have over 10 teams playing out of Holm Park.

“We’d like to thank Matt, who will be greatly missed for his dedication, vision and hard work he has given the club, along with his wife Clare who also provided great support to the club as treasurer.

“The club places its gratitude to Matt and Clare for all their time and effort they’ve put into Sheppey United and wish them every success for the future.”