Bolton boss jumps to Pulis' defence

14 October 2010 11:06
olton boss Owen Coyle has sprung to the defence of Stoke's Tony Pulis as they prepare to meet at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.[LNB] Along with Blackburn's Sam Allardyce and Wolves' Mick McCarthy, Pulis was criticised by Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy in the debate about tackling in the top flight.[LNB]Murphy alleged the trio sent out teams "so pumped up there is inevitably going to be problems", but Coyle has sprung to the defence of his managerial counterparts.[LNB]The Bolton boss told The Sentinel: "Danny Murphy is a very talented player, there is no doubt about that.[LNB]"But no manager instructs his players to go and try to hurt opponents.[LNB]"That just doesn't happen. As good a player as Danny is, he should leave managing to the managers.[LNB]"We are very fortunate in this league that we have outstanding managers.[LNB]"These are top class managers who he has criticised, and they do their very best for their football clubs."[LNB]Stoke face a stiff task against the Trotters, who have been rejuvenated under Coyle, tasting defeat just once in the top flight this term.[LNB]Coyle's side are also winning plaudits for their style of play and the Bolton boss hailed the current spirit at the club.[LNB]He added: "There is a good feeling about the place. We are all pulling in the right direction and hopefully that will bear fruit as the season progresses.[LNB]"There has always been a perception about the club and a certain style of playing, but the only way of changing that is by winning games and performing well.[LNB]"The players are a united group and they are showing that, and we must try to keep delivering performances of that standard.[LNB]"There is a general goodwill feeling about Bolton out there now and we have got to go and capitalise on that."

Source: Team_Talk