SHEPPEY MOVE IS NEW ERA FOR K’S

K SPORTS are to leave their home of 105 years and move to the Isle of Sheppey next season, changing their new name inthe process.

The Southern Counties East Division One side will depart Cobdown Sports & Social Club in Aylesford and groundshare with Isthmian League South East Sheppey United at Holm Park – becoming Sheppey Sports in the process.

The club was set up in 1919 as Aylesford Paper Mills. The side is currently managed by George and Ian Batten, the sons of Sheppey United boss Ernie Batten.

A K Sports statement said: “Due to the location change, currently being named after the company who owns Cobdown and as the football club is a separate entity to the ground, we will be changing the name of the club to Sheppey Sports.

“With Welling Town taking over as the primary tenants at Cobdown and our Youth and Sunday section moving over to join Welling Town at the start of the current season, it has seen us left with just our first team at the club.

“A move to The Isle of Sheppey along with a close working relationship with Sheppey United will see the pathway for young players in the area improve.

“Bridging the gap between under 23s and Step 4 football by introducing a club at Step 6 to the area will allow young players to fully experience the men’s game who may not be ready to make the jump into the first team at Sheppey United.”

● ISTHMIAN Premier strugglers Kingstonian have handed interim boss Tutu Henriques the permanent manager’s job until the end of the season.

The ex-Bromley, Ks, Carshalton and Merstham player has served as an assistant to both Hayden Bird and Simon Lane this season.