Sheppey United chairman Matt Smith has quit the club just two weeks before the new season - and they’re yet to appoint a new manager.

Mr Smith quits after 11 years at the club, a period which has seen The Ites rise up the leagues while their Holm Park ground has been transformed. His departure was announced on Sunday.

The club are also looking for a new manager. Director of football Ernie Batten has been interviewing potential candidates for the role.

Former under-23 boss Ross Wiles had been looking after the first team on an interim basis but he stood down from that role before the weekend.

Sheppey are due to host Whitehawk in a friendly on Tuesday night and travel to Margate on Saturday (August 5). Their season starts in the Isthmian South East division next weekend (August 12) away to Broadbridge Heath.

Announcing Mr Smith’s departure, a club statement said: “Sheppey United can confirm the resignation of club chairman Matthew Smith from the club.

“Starting from 11 years ago, Matt was key in helping build Sheppey United to what it is now.

“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.”

Sheppey parted company with manager Jack Midson in mid-July, despite the former Wimbledon striker taking them to the verge of the Isthmian South East play-offs in his first season in charge. He had taken over from Ernie Batten.

Wiles enjoyed a successful stint as caretaker boss, leading them to four wins from four, scoring 21 goals.

He had been the under-23 boss, leading them to the SCEFL Development League title, but stood down for family reasons. That, the club said, hasn’t changed.

The club thanked Wiles for his efforts on Saturday, writing: “Sheppey United would like to thank Ross Wiles for stepping in as interim manager over the last four games.

“Ross, who stepped down as U23s Manager at the end of the season due to family commitments still has to honour this and therefore won't be taking charge on Tuesday night.

“Ross led the Ites to four victories during this short spell - and rest assured he'll still be at Holm Park both as a supporter and in his role as Head of Youth Development.

“The club continue the search for a new manager and will update supporters when news develops.”

Mr Smith is one of three directors registered at the club, along with Ernie Batten and Emma Batten.

Club photographer and Sheppey fan Marc Richards said: “Forever grateful to Matt for giving us our club back and building brilliant facilities for us. I was there when Matt took control and know full well what the ground and the main building looked like. I think people forget that if it wasn't for him we wouldn't have a club. Sorry to see him go.”

Fellow fan Alan King wrote on Facebook: “His enthusiasm, dedication and openness on what was happening at the club along with his aspirations was, as a supporter, refreshing to see.

“Personally, I wish Mr Smith every success for himself and Clare for the future and thank him for all that he has done for the club, supporters and team.

“If we are lucky enough to get another chairman with the same drive, dedication, ambition and standards that he gave to us then we will be very fortunate indeed!”

Miles Bish added that Mr Smith was “One of the nicest guys in the game.”

Barry Adams wrote: “I wonder if people realise the sacrifices and stress it takes to get a club up and running and make it such a success but the king is dead, long live the king.”