Sheppey United assistant manager Marcel Nimani leaves on the eve of the new season

Sheppey have been rocked by the departure of assistant manager Marcel Nimani on the eve of the new season.

Manager Ernie Batten and Nimani guided the club to a unique quadruple last season, claiming the Southern Counties East (SCEFL) Premier Division title, claiming and then retaining the Kent Senior Trophy and landing the SCEFL Challenge Cup.

The Ites will kick-off their Isthmian South East campaign at home to Chichester City on August 13, a week after their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round trip to Essex Senior League side Athletic Newham.

But Nimani says after “a recent development at the club of which - on this occasion - did not represent my views” he has decided to leave Holm Park.

In an open letter on the club website on Sunday, he said: “A huge congratulations to the club for a historic season.

“After three seasons, I’m extremely proud to have achieved everything that we set out to do; [getting] Sheppey United FC representing this wonderful island in the Isthmian League.

“Following [on] from a recent development at the club of which - on this occasion - did not represent my views, after serious thought and reflection, I believe now is the right time for me to move on.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision and, while heavy-hearted, I leave the club in a better place and personally leave the club as a better and more experienced person and, for that, I am eternally grateful to the club.

“I would like to thank everyone at the club - from the stewards, club staff and, of course, the ever so kind ITES fans for making me and my family feel at home.

“An extended thank you goes to the people that I worked with the closest, the chairmen Matt Smith and Gary Seamark – two fantastic people who drive the club in the