New manager Jamie Coyle has described Whitstable as “a sleeping giant” as he prepares to take charge next season.

Coyle has replaced Marcel Nimani at the Southern Counties East Premier Division outfit, agreeing a two-year contract.

He will be assisted by Matt Longhurst, who has departed his role as director of football at Isthmian South East Sheppey. Long-serving goalkeeper Dan Eason - who had been in interim charge - will also stay as part of the new management team.

“I’ve had a few offers in the last two or three weeks regarding jobs for next season,” said defender Coyle, who will now hang up his playing boots after Glebe were knocked out of the play-offs on Tuesday.

“I think you need to look at all the elements - the fanbase, location and the potential of the club - for me, it ticked every box. I played there this season and there were 400-odd fans.

“I’ve met all the board, as well. There’s a family kind of feel behind the scenes there.

“With the pitch they have got, everything I want as a manager, they have got it. It really is a sleeping giant of a football club.

“We want to be somewhere long enough to actually build something. It’s really exciting. I’ve not felt this excited about a new job for a long time.

“I’m hoping, with my experience and my skills, I can be part of growing the club.”

With Coyle’s appointment being confirmed at the weekend, he missed sixth-placed Whitstable’s season-ending 2-0 home win over play-off finalists Corinthian as he saw out his playing career at Glebe. Substitute Harvey Smith bagged a quick-fire second-half brace in front of an 801-strong crowd.

But Coyle watched them thump Sutton Athletic 5-0 in early April and has been given access to all the club’s video analysis.

“I watched a couple of their games when I’ve not had fixtures with Glebe,” he explained.

“I watched them against Sutton Athletic and I’ve played against them this season.

“I’ve been really fortunate in the last few days to get access to the video [analysis]. In the last few days, I’ve watched eight to 10 games with the management team.

“We’re very fortunate to have all that data - all the statistics in terms of distance covered, goals and assists.

“Two of my coaching staff were there on Saturday for the Corinthian game, as well.”

Coyle is familiar with plenty in the squad.

He said: “Jordan Perrin was at Erith & Belvedere. Liam Gillies, I gave him his first-team debut at Dartford and Will Thomas was in my Academy at Maidstone.

“I know all the players there anyway from coming up against them. It’s just about identifying their strengths and areas for development.

“I’m really excited because they have got a really good core of players. They probably just need a little bit more experience and know-how around them.”

Coyle, formerly player-manager at Ramsgate and Welling, as well as joint-boss at Dartford, again intends to be part of England Veterans’ squad for the Seniors World Cup in Thailand at the end of May. After that, the 40-year-old wants to focus on his managerial career.

He said: “Next season, I will be solely focused on the management side.

“I’ve done it at National League level with Welling and Dartford but there’s not many successful player-managers for a reason.

“For me, I’ve had a successful playing career. I’ve had a good innings but, now, I need to concentrate solely on the managerial side and being successful with that, and looking to hopefully get promoted.”

Coyle started the season as player-coach at Erith & Belvedere, working alongside boss Longhurst, and was keen to again link-up with the ex-Ramsgate, East Grinstead and Corinthian man.

“I always said, when I got my next job, I would take Matt along,” said Coyle.

“I’ve never seen a better technical and tactical coach, or someone who works harder.”

Keeping hold of Eason, who has moved into coaching himself this term, was also vital.

Coyle said: “He has a 100% win ratio as manager!

“Dan has a massive part to play in what we’re doing. He’s a club legend and has been there for many years.

"He’s a key person for me to have in my management team. I’ve played against him for many years. He still has things to offer on the pitch in terms of being a goalkeeping coach.

“The club and the fans have huge respect for him. I’m really chuffed he has decided to stay.”

Plans are already in place for pre-season. While the Oystermen weren’t far off a top-five finish under Nimani and No.2 Craig Coles, Coyle is keen to make sure they are prepared for all eventualities once the 2024/25 season gets under way.

He explained: “There’s no use having every friendly on a 3G pitch. We will have to go to some places where the pitch is bobbly and adapt.

“I feel we have got that - some friendlies against good sides at home but some away on grass, as well.

“This year, perhaps that’s where they have slightly struggled at times on tougher pitches. That’s an area for development.”

Whitstable’s end-of-season awards were presented after the Corinthian match.

Winger Josh Williams was named supporters’ player-of-the-season and got goal-of-the-season for his strike against Lordswood.

Talented young midfielder Josh Oliver’s 24-goal tally earned him the golden boot while players’ player-of-the-year went to club stalwart defender Jake MacKenzie.

Eason, who stepped in for the last three games of the season, handed the manager’s player-of-the-season gong to Reece Gillies, as fellow midfielder Mikey Dalton was recognised by the directors.

Media volunteer Ethan Clayton, along with matchday car-park entrance staff Mark and Debbie Cooke, were also handed Directors’ Special Contribution awards.