The Staff
Ian Batten
Manager
SPONSORED BY B&B ESTATES
This is Ian’s 4th full season as a manager (joint with his brother George). He captained Sheppey United as a player, so in a sense he is now managing his home town.
Last season he steered The Sports to 5th in the League whilst being the highest scorers in the division.
He also won manager of the month twice during the 24/25 season. The award in November was on the back of 7 consecutive wins and then again in March after The Sports went undefeated in 11 games.
George Batten
CHAIRMAN/Player Manager
SPONSORED BY JUDE BATTEN
George is chairman of the club, but also player manager, with his tough tackling no nonsense style he sits in front of the back four.
He has bundles of experience having played over 100 games for Sheppey United.
George shared manager of the month twice during the 24/25 season with his brother Ian.
Scott Penfold
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Scott was one of the best youth team players in Kent and was at Chelsea as a boy. He played with Ian when Sheppey United won the Kent league unbeaten and cup at U18 level.
He has come in as assistant manager this season and hasn’t looked back, a very exciting young coach.
Gary
first team coach
Ben Brennan
VICE CHAIRMAN/Secretary
SPONSORED BY JI FLOORING
Nicknamed the Mr Encyclopaedia of non league football, Ben is club secretary and vice chairman.
He is very much an unsung hero at the club and massively popular with the players.
The club could not operate with out his tireless work and dedication.
Hannah Clewes
Sports Science
Hannah joined the Sports this season. She's a sports analyst who isn’t afraid to let the players know if they aren’t hitting their targets.
She has a big future in the game and is a massive asset to the team.
rob challis
club assistant
Previously Secretary at Sheppey United during the late eighties.
Rob has now returned to the island and is looking to use his vast experience by helping the Sports.
He was club secretary at Binfield FC in Berkshire, where he worked for 25 years. Whilst there he over saw promotions through the Hellenic League to Step 4.
Rob's proudest moment was helping Binfield reach the 2021 FA Vase final at Wembley vs Warrington Rylands.
Brandon Loveridge
Sports Therapist
Brandon was with the London City Lionesses last season. He is a local lad that we are very fortunate to have.
Brandon also works with Sheppey United.
Shaun
GameDay Assistant
Shaun takes on various ad hoc duties around the club. His valuable time and effort allows the coaching staff to focus on preparing the lads for the game.
We'd be stuck without him!
Malc Fell
Photographer
SPONSORED BY B&B ESTATES
Not many teams can brag that their club photographer shoots Premier League, EFL and Champions League games, but the Sports can.
You can see more of his work here.
www.mwfphotography.co.uk
JOEL HOLLAND
SOCIAL MEDIA manager & GRAPHIC designer
Joel is the club's graphic designer and social media manager.
He is also an accomplished photographer in his own right, as he has been recently published in Trucking Magazine after photographing the British Truck Racing Championship at Brands Hatch.