Whitstable Town boss Jamie Coyle on reuniting with his former Ramsgate captain Jake McIntyre this summer

Manager Jamie Coyle knows all about his first summer signing at Whitstable.

Jake McIntyre joins the Oystermen from Southern Counties East Premier Division rivals Faversham having ended the 2023/24 campaign on dual registration at Sheppey, where Coyle’s No.2 Matt Longhurst was director of football.

Left-back McIntyre had been Coyle’s captain in his time in charge of Ramsgate.

“He’s someone that I have worked with since he was a 16-year-old,” revealed Coyle.

“Jake came through my Academy at Dartford.

“I know him really well in terms of his personality. Obviously, he did really well for me at Ramsgate as captain when I took over there.

“He’s someone that has got a wealth of experience but also has that winning mentality that will help the younger players who are already at the club.

“Looking at the games that I’ve looked at - and playing against Whitstable last year -and speaking to the current players, we all agreed it was something that was missing a little bit, in terms of a little bit more experience in the side.”

More new recruits followed McIntyre through the door at The Belmont this week in experienced midfielder Michael West, defender Karn Miller-Neave and forward Jerson Dos Santos.

Speaking on Monday morning, Coyle said: “It’s exciting.

“I cannot really mention names because nothing is done yet but there’s some really exciting prospects and some players who have bought into the project, as we did as a management team.

“They’re really keen to drop down a level or two to get involved in it.”

With Whitstable now having confirmed their released list, former Maidstone, Margate, Welling and Dartford defender Coyle is keen to have his squad ready for the start of pre-season by the time he heads out for the Seniors World