MATT LONGHURST says he has been handed a ‘fantastic opportunity’ after becoming the new director of football at ambitious Sheppey United. Longhurst will join forces with Ites boss Ernie Batten having previously managed at Slade Green, Corinthian, East Grinstead Town, Ramsgate, Burgess Hill and Erith & Belvedere (twice). He left the Deres last month after having got the club promoted from the Southern Counties East League last season. Now he has the opportunity to use his vast experience from a new role upstairs as the Ites bid for promotion from Isthmian South E...