West, 33, has headed to Isthmian South East Ashford on an initial one-month loan.
Coyle said: “Westy will be a massive miss in the changing room.
“He’s a fantastic character. He’s extremely professional and has had an unbelievable career in the game.
“At this stage of his career, he just wants to be playing games.
“With pitches changing at this time of year, I don’t think the way he plays will compliment the way we’re going to be playing.
“He didn’t want to leave Whitstable for the month, really, but he totally understands the reasons behind our decision.
“I cannot speak highly enough of Westy. A fully-fit Westy is going to be better for all involved in the long run.
“Hopefully, he can stay injury-free.”
West came through 90 minutes for the Nuts & Bolts in last weekend’s 3-1 home win over old club Herne Bay.
Helping fill the void left by West – in midfield and with the experience he can offer to Whitstable’s young squad – will be Adem Ramadan.
Coyle has been open about the need for the Oystermen to add more goals and assists from midfield and hopes Ramadan, promoted with Tonbridge and Herne Bay, can provide that.
“I’ve always been a big admirer of Adem’s,” he said. “I played against him when he was at Herne Bay.
“He’s had a really good career and knows what it’s like to win. We need players like that.
“With Westy going out to Ashford, it takes some experience out of the squad – and Adem adds that again.
“There’s no doubt he has much more quality than the level but he’s coming back from injury and has chosen to do that with us.
“Hopefully, he can be successful.”
Young attacker Ashdon Day has also arrived from Ady Pennock’s Dartford on loan, having previously played for Phoenix Sports.
Veteran defender Coyle recalled coming up against Day, saying: “I played against him when he was at Phoenix Sports last season.
“He was a real handful and I think he was only 17 at the time. He’s bigger and stronger since then!
“When he became available, I spoke to Ady about bringing him in. He has fitted straight in. I think he’s someone Dartford have got an eye on in terms of having a really bright future with them.
“Hopefully, he can bring goals for us and help bring others into play, as well.”
Whitstable’s backroom staff tinkered with their squad during a fixture-free week, with last weekend’s FA Vase home tie against Jersey Bulls and a midweek trip to Bearsted in the Southern Counties East Premier Division falling victim to the weather.
While Coyle admits a lack of games has been frustrating, with defender Jake McIntyre still suspended, he said: “You always look at the positives, don’t you?
“We have had a couple of players, who have been carrying knocks and playing through them. It’s given them an opportunity to rest and recover, rather than force themselves through games.
“There’s always positives and negatives to take from the situation. When I’m playing, I always look forward to the games a bit more after a break.
“We just need to look forward because we have got a big game on Saturday.
“We’re just working out who’s available, preparing our squad and getting ready for the weekend.”
Whitstable will host unbeaten Combined Counties League Premier Division South side Jersey Bulls on Saturday, kick-off at 12.30pm, as their opponents were unable to fly due to Storm Darragh.
The winners will visit Suffolk-based Walsham Le Willows in round four.
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