Whitstable Town boss Jamie Coyle praises role striker Dean Grant has played - on and off pitch this season - as he nets in 2-0 Kent Senior Trophy Final win; Title-winning Oystermen finish campaign at Corinthian

Manager Jamie Coyle has praised the role Whitstable super-sub Dean Grant has had this season - on and off the pitch.

Grant, 35, made a swift impact off the bench as he sealed the Oystermen’s 2-0 Kent Senior Trophy triumph against Punjab United at Maidstone United on Sunday, firing beyond keeper Mitchell Beeney at the second attempt.

It was the striker’s 15th goal of the season.

While Grant has made 44 appearances over the campaign, just 18 of them have been starts with 10 of his goals coming off the bench - the latest of which completed the double for Whitstable. They had already won the Southern Counties East League Premier Division title last month.

Coyle said: “He has probably been frustrated with the minutes he has had this year but he has had a big impact off the bench. He has scored so many important goals.

“He’s a massive character. You cannot replace good human beings like that - not only on the grass - but away from that. In the changing room, he’s such an important part of what we do.

“He has had a fantastic season. Obviously, he has got his boys here, which is great for them to witness that. He was a real thorn in their side.

“That’s been the story of our season. It’s not just the XI that start, we have had so many big performances from the bench this year.”

The intervention by Grant came after midfielder Bradley Schafer had put them into an 11th-minute lead with his 26th goal of the season.

It leaves the former Herne Bay, Hythe and Faversham Town player five goals behind top scorer Javaun Splatt.

“Schafer was frustrated at half-time because he had another opportunity just before the end of the half,” said Coyle.

“Him and Splatty’s numbers have had a massive impact on why we are where we are.

“There were some