The Club is saddened to learn of the death of former player Ernie Batten.
A striker he was a long term target of City Manager Mick Loughton and he Joined City in March 1984 from Hastings United for a fee of £1,750. He made his debut at the end of that month when City beat Cheltenham Town 2-1 at New Writtle Street, scoring his first goal just 9 days later in a 6-1 demolition of Stourbridge.
His stay at City was relatively short, he made just 38 appearances scoring 21 goals before being sold to Gravesend and Northfleet in January 1985. Ironically his final game also came against Cheltenham Town. He later returned to Hastings United and also played for Ashford Town and Sheppey United, amongst others.
At the time of his passing he was the Manager of Sheppey United, guiding them to the first round of the F.A. Cup for the first time in their history.
The Club sends its condolences to Ernie’s’ family and friends at this sad time.
Words: David Selby
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