Whitstable Town boss Jamie Coyle wins Seniors World Cup with England in Thailand; Team handed trophy in unusual style as final opponents play suspended player

Whitstable boss Jamie Coyle has described winning the Seniors World Cup with England as the icing on the cake of his season - even if he did so in bizarre circumstances!

Coyle, 42, called time on his non-league playing career after he guided the Oystermen to their historic 2-1 extra-time FA Vase victory over AFC Whyteleafe at Wembley last month.

But Coyle then promptly headed to Thailand to complete a hat-trick of Seniors World Cup wins.

The circumstances around the final “win” over Australia were far from the norm, though, as their counterparts knowingly started a suspended player - handing England a default victory despite them losing on penalties.

Coyle said: “It was a bit of a farce in the final. We played against Australia and they played with one of their forwards that was suspended.

“It was 1-1 and we then ended up losing on penalties. But the organisers eliminated them.

“It took a bit of the gloss off it and it was a bit mixed emotions.

“You get the cup and the medal - but it just didn’t feel quite the same.

“But I’ve been out there three times and won it three times and that’s a massive achievement.

“It’s the icing on the cake of the season I’ve had at Whitstable.”

Defender Coyle also made the most of playing in a slightly more advanced role, chipping in with some vital goals.

“I was the leading scorer for England, which was nice,” he said.

“They played me in a bit more of an advanced position. They played me in holding midfield so I got higher up the pitch and contributed a few goals.

“We coached at a local school, as well, and the whole experience was just really humbling.

“It’s the perfect way to go out. I cannot really forget this year, it’s been a really memorable one.”

Coyle was the sole Kent