Ex-Ramsgate boss Jamie Coyle on becoming Whitstable Town’s new manager on two-year contract ahead of 2024/25 Southern Counties East Premier Division season; Matt Longhurst joins as assistant

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