Sheppey United captain Danny Leonard on his decision to stay at Holm Park and looking ahead to next season under Ian and George Batten

Club captain Danny Leonard had no hesitation in extending his stay at Sheppey United.

Leonard, who is closing in on 200 Ites appearances, was quick to commit to another campaign at Holm Park following talks with joint-bosses Ian and George Batten.

“When I spoke with George and Ian, it was clear I was going to stay for another year,” said Leonard.

“In my head there was nowhere else I was planning on going.

“It wasn’t in my mind to go anywhere else.

“The main reason is I’ve been at the club for so long, I don’t see myself playing anywhere else.

“It would be such a big change for me.

“I’ve got three children under five, I started a new coaching business in the last year or two, and moving clubs would have meant a lot of big change in my life.

“So it was, not the easy option, but the best option for me to stay at Sheppey.”

Winger Leonard had an injury-hit season as Sheppey secured Isthmian South East safety on the final day, missing a chunk of football.

Those issues are behind him and he’s looking forward to helping a new-look Sheppey enjoy a more competitive campaign.

The Battens - sons of late Ites legend and former manager Ernie Batten - are rebuilding the squad following the brush with relegation after succeeding Kevin Watson.

“Last year I just think we were really unlucky,” said Leonard. “No one envisaged us being where we were in the table.

“You know George and Ian love the club as much as their dad did and they want to continue what he did.

“We’ve pretty much got rid of most of the squad, or they’ve moved on, so it’ll be interesting to see how we do.

“But the players we’ve signed already just show the intent of what we’re trying to do and there's a few more names in the pipeline that are quite exciting too.”

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