Source: Telegraph
Owen Coyle eager to lead Bolton Wanderers for first time against Arsenal on Sunday
Coyle may have been in the job only a few days after arriving from Burnley but he has an affinity with the club stretching back to the Nineties, when he played for the team. [LNB]The Scot is relishing the challenge of going head-to-head with Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager. "It will be emotional and I will feel a sense of pride as well," Coyle said. "If I wasn't nervous there would be something wrong. [LNB] Related ArticlesMegson 'on gardening leave'Blackburn Rovers v Fulham: previewCoyle 'cried' after leaving Turf MoorCoyle turned down Celtic to stay in Premier LeagueTransfer TalkSport on television"The first few days with the players have been great. It has been a whirlwind but I have enjoyed every moment. There are some good players here and they have applied themselves well in training. [LNB]"I feel privileged to be Bolton's manager and excited about what lies ahead. You want your first game to get under way. [LNB]"It is a game to look forward to against a team that is the role model for any young manager. [LNB]"You look at the way Arsène Wenger has built that club and the style of play. I am a big admirer of them. But I still believe we can test Arsenal. We know their strengths far outweigh their weaknesses. We have to nullify those threats."[LNB]Coyle has called on captain Kevin Davies to maintain the high standards he has set and drive the team out of the relegation zone. [LNB]The striker has been an influential figure, first under Sam Allardyce, then Sammy Lee and Gary Megson. Coyle said: "Kevin has a massive role to play here as captain. His ability speaks for itself. [LNB]"He has shown over many years in the Premier League that he is a top striker. I had an extensive chat with him and liked everything I heard. What we have to do is build and foster that relationship with team spirit we have at the club. He plays a big part in that."[LNB]Coyle wants the team and the fans to bond after his predecessor, Megson, failed to win over a section of the support. [LNB]He said: "I know the Bolton fans from my time as a player and they always got behind the team. [LNB]"They gave it tremendous support and that is what we are looking for. It is a double-edged sword. The players need to give people something to shout about, but equally the fans need to give that backing." [LNB]
