Sheppey United joint-manager Ian Batten respects Jacob Lambert’s decision to stay at Step 4 after midfielder signs for Herne Bay

Joint-manager Ian Batten says Sheppey United must move on from star man Jacob Lambert.

Batten revealed earlier this summer that attacking midfielder Lambert would be leaving the Ites after an outstanding four-year spell at Holm Park.

At the time, he was set to try his luck a level up in the Isthmian Premier but he’s ended up staying in Isthmian South East after joining Herne Bay.

“The offer he had at Step 3 wasn’t concrete, it was come in and train and see how you get on,” said Batten. “Herne Bay made him a good offer, so I can understand the thought behind him going there.

“I’m disappointed he’s left, because we’d have loved to have kept him, but I’ve got no bad blood or anything towards Jacob, I just hope we smash them when we play them!

“No, he’s a great lad, a great player, he’s been a great servant to Sheppey and if he feels the time was right to move on, we have to accept that.”

Sheppey had been planning for life without Lambert, so while he leaves a big hole, the club must move on.

“He’s been top scorer for the last couple of seasons and his all-round play is fantastic,” said Batten.

“It’s hard for any team to replace one of their best players but you’ve got to move on.

“It’s non-league football, it happens, players move around all the time.

“Although it’s a tough one to take, we move on and we replace him.

“We’ve got Cameron Andrews from VCD, we’ve got Josh Wisson back and Josh Chambers, who’s a No.10, so we’ve got options there.

“We are looking for one more midfield player, it’s just waiting for the right one to come along.

“It’s a difficult time at the moment because everyone’s going for the same players.”

Sheppey missed out on a goalkeeper and a winger last week, with the players choosing to go elsewhere.

The