Owen Coyle was confirmed as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers on January 8th.The former Burnley supremo opted to leave Turf Moor with “a heavy heart” and join the Trotters, who he played for during 1993-95.

The Scottish born manager has been chased by numerous clubs as he has worked wonders on a shoe string budget at Burnley. He was installed as manager there in 2007 having been recommended by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, who was also searching for a new manager at the time. Gartside opted for Gary Megson over his second choice Coyle, a decision he would be left to rue although Coyle has now pitched up at the Reebok stadium.

Coyle caught the eye of numerous clubs from his reign at Burnley, having guided the club to the League Cup semi finals with impressive victories over Arsenal and Chelsea, he went one better by helping the club win the playoffs in 2009.

Burnley set the premiership alight with their home form, boasting one nil wins over both Manchester United and Everton but their away form has proved a stumbling block, picking up only one point on their travels. Coyle left Burnley in a very healthy position to take up his new post at rivals Bolton.

Any team that has operated under Coyle has played free flowing passing football which is unknown to Bolton, who have opted to use the route one method to attack, a tactic which first came to prominence during the reign of Sam Allardyce. 

Coyle`s ability to invoke such a game plan will undoubtedly excite The Trotters fans and he will become an instant hit with the Bolton faithful, something his predecessor, Gary Megson, will envy.

Coyle`s attacking brand of football can also provide the club with a level of consistency it has not seen since the days of Allardyce at the helm. One of the Scottish born Irish international`s main reasons for jumping ship was that Bolton could offer a finer budget.

Coyle`s main aim for this term is to help the club avoid relegation as they lay just above the drop zone upon his appointment. He is sure to have one eye on getting the club back into European football but this will not happen this year, unless they defy expectations and win the FA Cup.

Coyle`s impact at the Reebok stadium will be justified with the signings he makes as well as the football his team will play. Arguably the club have the talent to beat the drop but one or two additions would add that extra spark and competition for places is always a healthy thing.

Furthermore he will be looking to get the best from the squad he has inherited. One player, who may blossom under his reign if given the chance, would be Nicky Hunt, who is currently on a one month loan at Derby County. The ten time capped England under21 international was a regular under Allardyce but never got a look in under Megson. Some will feel he still has the talent to offer the club a solid right back.

Also on Coyle`s agenda will be keeping his main assets, none more so than Gary Cahill. Cahill has been in blistering form this season and has caught the eye of all the big clubs. The club may struggle to keep him, and his recent call up to the England squad for the Kazakhstan match will further fuel the desires of his potential suitors. Another player worth keeping is Ivan Klasnic, the Croatian international has proved his worth to the Wanderers cause, with six goals in 15 appearances. Despite enduring two kidney transplants, the player currently on loan from Nantes, can offer a work ethic that is second to none. 

It remains to be seen how Bolton will perform under Coyle, but most feel that his reign as manager will prove to be successful. In the short term, his emphasis will be on getting to know his squad and putting them in touch with his style of play. After that, the sky is the limit, for the ever ambitious Scotsman.

By Glenn Dowd  
18/1/10