Bolton to make formal approach for Burnley manager Owen Coyle

01 January 2010 20:06
Burnley are likely to refuse any request for permission to speak to Coyle, who spent more than two years at Bolton as a player in the mid-1990s, though it is thought the Scot is keen to speak to his former club. That is despite Coyle leading Burnley into the Premier League for the first time in 33 years.[LNB]Phil Gartside, the Bolton chairman, has drawn up a four-man shortlist to replace Megson, who was dismissed after 24 months in charge at the Reebok after the club's supporters made their displeasure at his tenure clear after Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Hull.[LNB] Related ArticlesAlan Curbishley in line for Bolton jobPremier League: transfer window guideBolton fans won't regret forcing out Gary MegsonCoyle and Ferguson lead Bolton raceBolton sack Gary MegsonSport on televisionThough Darren Ferguson, Alan Curbishley and Peter Reid, Tony Pulis's assistant at Stoke, all have a measure of support within the club's hierarchy, Coyle is believed to be Gartside's and club owner Eddie Davies's first choice.[LNB]Reid has indicated he wished to remain at the Britannia Stadium while Ferguson, sacked by Peterborough after guiding the club to back-to-back promotions, is thought to be considered a high-risk candidate because of his lack of experience. He is believed to stand a good chance, though, of replacing Alan Irvine at Preston.[LNB]Gartside recommended Coyle, then with St Johnstone, to Burnley when he joined the club in 2007 and relations between the two are believed to be strong. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph