Source: Team_Talk
Coyle happy with Elmander talks
Owen Coyle is comfortable with Johan Elmander's contract situation after seeing the striker boost his reputation in Bolton's 3-2 win at Wolves.[LNB] Elmander scored his side's second at Molineux, twisting and turning through a crowd of defenders just after the hour mark and coolly slotting home.[LNB]The Sweden international, who now has six goals this season, is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move away from Bolton, particularly after chairman Phil Gartside indicated the Trotters might be forced to sell to balance the books.[LNB]However, Coyle says he is content with the way talks with the player about a new deal are progressing.[LNB]"He is in the last year of his contract and he is well within his rights to let that run its course if he so deems," Coyle said.[LNB]"But I speak to him every day on the training ground and we have a very good relationship. I'm comfortable with the situation and he keeps giving me everything he's got.[LNB]"We are delighted to have him and would I love to be able to say Johan has signed a new three-year contract? Absolutely. We haven't got to that stage yet but we will continue the dialogue."[LNB]Asked if Elmander was giving the impression he wanted to stay, Coyle added: "Yes he does, but footballers are strange characters in many ways.[LNB]"I have been there myself and sometimes when you are in a run of form you don't want too many distractions or to be talking about contracts. I can understand that.[LNB]"But the feedback I have is that he enjoys being here and if he didn't, I don't think you would see this level of performance from him. I think that speaks for itself."[LNB]A first-minute own-goal by Richard Stearman and a goal from Stuart Holden either side of Elmander's effort meant Bolton enjoyed a 3-0 lead with a little over 20 minutes remaining.[LNB]Wolves swiftly reduced the deficit through Kevin Foley and Steven Fletcher, and Coyle admitted it had been a nervy finale before his side sealed the win which takes them up to fifth in the Premier League.[LNB]"We got ourselves into a tremendous position, but you have to give Wolves credit," Coyle said. "They showed tremendous spirit and got themselves back into the game, which added a few grey hairs to myself.[LNB]"But over the piece I don't think anyone could say we weren't worthy of the three points."[LNB]Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, whose team also conceded in the opening minute in their previous game against Arsenal, was left with mixed emotions after a late rally failed to improve his side's standing in the bottom three.[LNB]Asked if he felt encouraged or distraught by the performance, McCarthy said: "A bit of both. We made it very difficult (for ourselves) and we shouldn't have to come back from three goals down, or one after 50 seconds, that is for sure.[LNB]"It's difficult then to repair it, although I thought we had plenty of chances in the first half and I thought we started the second half well.[LNB]"It's a great goal for Elmander from his point of view, but from mine it is awful. We lost the plot for a few minutes and got caught for the third, but having come back we should have got the equaliser."
