Club supporters lined a street with flags and paid their respects to the “greatest football manager”.

A funeral was held today (April 10) for Sheppey United’s Ernie Batten.

The 67-year-old played a massive part in putting the club on the map.

Fans and volunteers lined Queenborough Road in Minster to watch the procession go past.

Holding flags and wearing team colours, they clapped as the funeral director walked in front of the hearse, followed by four cars.

The word “gaffer” had been laid out in flowers next to the coffin.

Marc Faulkner has been going to games at the stadium since the 70s with his three sons.

After retiring in January, he took up volunteering at the club.

The 67-year-old said: “The football ground wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Ernie and the money he has put in.

“It was just a muddy pitch. I used to play there myself before this was here.

“I went to school with him – he was a nice lad, was very quiet and kept to himself.

“He’s done an incredible job and slowly built the club up.”

A funeral was held at the Garden of England Crematorium in Sheppey Way, Bobbing, from 1pm.

“It was very emotional,” vice chairman Lee Allen said. “It was heaving, and the busiest funeral I've ever been to.

“We could have easily filled a second crematorium site today.

“Ernie was actually a shy guy, he didn't really like the limelight.

“I'm sure he'd have been touched and thrilled to see such a great turnout today – so many smiles on people's faces remembering the good times that he brought to not only the club but also to his friends and family.

“He's given the Isle of Sheppey so many memories that will live on forever.

“We've had a couple of promotions and cup success. We got to the first round of the FA Cup last year, which was live on ITV.

“In all the club's history, that was only a dream – it was just in the pipeline. You never expected it to be part of your lifetime.

“Thanks to Ernie, we can cherish that memory for a long time.”

The funeral was followed by a reception at the clubhouse, which celebrated his life.

In a statement posted on Monday, March 24, Sheppey United said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernie Batten – Sheppey’s greatest football manager, and one of the club’s most celebrated players.

“He was also the man whose vision and passion returned the club to the heart of the community, and took the Ites to places Island football fans could only dream of: two promotions, six cup finals, four domestic trophies, and one, incredible FA Cup run, resulting in Sheppey – for the first time in our 130-odd year history – reaching FA Cup round one, national acclaim and a worldwide TV audience.

“You made our dreams come true, Ernie. Your legacy lives forever. Goodnight Gaffer.”

Sheppey reached the FA Cup first round in November 2023, losing 4-1 at home to Walsall in a televised game at Holm Park.

During his playing days, Ernie was a prolific striker at Hastings United and Chelmsford City. He also played for Gravesend and Northfleet.

A JustGiving page was set up in his memory by Sheppey United.

It said: “Ernie was a passionate and dedicated supporter of the club, always striving to create a positive environment for players, staff, and supporters alike.

“His vision and commitment have left an indelible mark on the club and the local community.

“In accordance with his wishes, rather than sending flowers, we ask for donations to Sheppey United Football Club in his memory.

“The funds will go towards supporting the club's continued development and to ensure that his legacy lives on through the sport he loved.”

If you’d like to contribute, please click here.

At the time of writing, more than £900 has been raised.

You can also pay in person to Palliser Platt & Sons Limited, 36 Broadway, Sheerness ME12 1TP.