Jamie Coyle’s latest retirement plans are on hold after coming off the bench to score in his first game as Ramsgate manager.

Coyle, a few months short of his 40th birthday, intended to stay in the dugout after accepting the chance to succeed Steve Lovell last week.

But he was on the pitch with just over 20 minutes gone at home to Littlehampton on Saturday after defender Ben Fitchett suffered ankle ligament damage.

Coyle, who scored twice in his first game as Welling player-manager five years ago at Truro, broke the deadlock just past the hour mark and Gil Carvalho added a late second in a 2-0 Isthmian South East victory.

Fitchett faces a fight to play again this season, meaning Coyle could be pulling on his boots for a while yet.

That would leave new assistant boss Nicky Southall on the touchline.

The pair previously worked together at Maidstone, winning back-to-back promotions as part of Jay Saunders’ management team.

“I didn’t want to play but Ben turned his ankle quite badly and I was left with no choice,” said Coyle.

“Ben’s injury doesn’t look good - it’s six-to-eight weeks in terms of recovery and then rehab, and there’s only 12 weeks left of the season.

“He’s a massive loss for us, because he’s been one of our best players, so it might be that I have to slot back in and play for the rest of the season.

“This is the fourth time I’ve tried to retire. Psychologically, I was thinking that’s me done after 22 years, but I’ve always ended up putting the boots back on and finding a way on to the pitch.

“Ideally, I wanted to pull myself out and manage the team from the side but we’ve got an injury we weren’t expecting.

“I look at some of the players we play against and I still feel I could have something to offer for another two or three years if I kept myself fit.

“Age has never been an issue. I run marathons, I cycle, I’m addicted to the physical side of keeping myself fit away from football, which has allowed me to play at the age I am now.

“It’s just when you’ve had 22 seasons and your body’s been battered since you were a 17-year-old playing first-team football that you have to think about the long term and the impact on your knees and your joints.

“This was going to be my last season. In the last two months I’d made the decision to finish this season and then try and get back into management.

“But I have really enjoyed it this year and I still feel I have an effect on the team when I’m on the pitch.”

Ramsgate turned to Coyle after sacking Lovell last Monday following a 2-0 defeat at Three Bridges.

He was named manager on Thursday night, with victory over Littlehampton moving Rams level on points with leaders Chatham going into tonight's rearranged game at third-placed Beckenham.

“It was a really tough week, a rollercoaster week,” said Coyle, whose side visit play-off contenders Sevenoaks this Saturday (3pm).

“I spoke to Steve in the week. We’ve done well this season and Steve left us in a good place.

“I had one session with the players on Thursday night and then the game.

“We changed formation from last week, when we lost at Three Bridges, and put a couple of different set-pieces in.

“You can only do a certain amount in one session.

“The squad’s good enough. It’s one of the best squads, in terms of ability and togetherness, I’ve been involved in. It’s just tweaking things here and there and putting my stamp on things.

“A lot of the boys were here last season, which has helped.

“Although we fell away at the end of last season, things we worked on with Matt Longhurst (Lovell’s predecessor) have come to fruition this year, so credit to him as well in terms of his coaching ability.”

If Coyle’s playing, a good No.2 is essential and he’s landed the ideal man in Southall, the former Bolton, Nottingham Forest and Gillingham midfielder.

“Nicky brings massive experience,” said Coyle. “He loves the game, he lives and breathes it.

“Someone of his experience and character and quality can only be an asset to me and the players.

“If I have to play, I know I can trust him.

“He’s quickly getting to know the players and he’s constantly asking questions and watching videos.

“He’s keen to be a supportive arm for me and I’m going to need that if I’m playing.”