Sheppey United’s preparation for the new season have been stopped in full flow following the resignation of assistant boss Marcel Nimani which came just a day after the club’s late cancellation of their final warm up game for the new season.

On Friday and Saturday, confused and angry fans of the SCEFL Champions contacted KSN querying why the club’s final pre-season game against Lewisham Borough had been cancelled with very little notice.

One told us, “we agree pre-season can go on, but we’ve got a FA Cup tie next weekend and to have this week off doesn’t seem to make any sense.”

KSN were told by an insider at Holm Park that the late cancellation was the decision of boss manager Ernie Batten who after “consideration at the end of a long pre-season and ahead of a very busy month ahead” called the game off on Friday.

The shock resignation of Nimani meanwhile was announced by the club’s website on Sunday.

In a statement the former Sheppey coach posted and told supporters:

“Following from a recent development at the club of which on this occasion did not represent my views, after a serious of thoughts and reflection, I believe now is the right time for me to move on – this has been an extremely difficult decision, and whilst 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…”

“Over the last three years, I’ve had the opportunity to coach some of the regions finest Gentlemen. Thank you to all the players, you have all been a joy and a delight to coach – you are the true champions.”

“To everyone associated with the club, I wish you all generation after generation of success…”

Joint Chairman Matt Smith had the following to say:

“I was extremely disappointed to receive Marcels resignation and tried everything in my power to keep him at the club. This is a sad day for everyone at the football club given Marcel’s organisational skills and positive impact since coming in to the club three years ago.”

“Marcel has become a friend to me as well as an assistant manager and I wish him well in his footballing journey. During his spell at the club we have seen our most successful season winning four trophies last term, Marcel and the coaching team were instrumental in that success.”

“As Joint Chairman and following this resignation I shall speak with the committee and make further announcements during this coming week.”