Source: Team_Talk
Coyle proud of Bolton displays
Owen Coyle is aiming to achieve his goal tomorrow of keeping Bolton in the Premier League for a 10th successive season.[LNB] Victory against Portsmouth at the Reebok Stadium will see the club remain among the elite for another year, irrespective of other results.[LNB]Coyle said: "We have a great opportunity to secure our status. It is in our hands.[LNB]"The only target I set when I came in was for Bolton to be out of the bottom three come the end of the season."[LNB]Coyle replaced Gary Megson as manager in January after moving from Burnley, who are now in the thick of the relegation battle.[LNB]It was a popular appointment given the Glasgow-born boss played for Bolton in the 1990s when they enjoyed some cup success.[LNB]Under his stewardship the team have taken 17 points from 17 games and lie 14th in the table.[LNB]Coyle's record is almost identical to his predecessor. Megson's Bolton amassed 18 points from 18 games and were in 18th position when his time ended.[LNB]Coyle, however, insists his side's results do not reflect some good performances against strong opponents.[LNB]The late victory against Stoke last weekend ended a run of four straight defeats against Everton, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea and gave Bolton some breathing space.[LNB]Coyle said: "It was down to fine margins and we still retained that belief. We are worthy of more points than we are sitting with. But that is the nature of the Premier League. It is unforgiving.[LNB]"It really was a pivotal weekend and all credit to the players. Everyone raised their level of performance in the second half at Stoke. We have to replicate that display on Saturday.[LNB]"We have very proud players, very good players. They put themselves under their own pressure as they want to be the best they can be. That's what I like about them."[LNB]Portsmouth, whose debts total a staggering £119million, are enjoying the high of reaching the FA Cup final but the low of being relegated.[LNB]Coyle believes their opponents have everything to play for and said: "They have shown in adversity that have gained strength. Portsmouth are in the cup final on merit.[LNB]"I would suggest they would be more dangerous now as the players are playing for places in the final."[LNB]Bolton captain Kevin Davies wants the supporters to crank up the volume and give the team a lift.[LNB]He said: "It is another big game for us and another three vital points up for grabs.[LNB]"We've had strong support home and away and the players will tell you that makes a big difference. Let's make it a cup final atmosphere."
