Trotters confirm Coyle appointment

08 January 2010 16:56
The former Wanderers striker has been on the verge of succeeding Gary Megson all week and was officially announced as the club's new manager on Friday evening.[LNB]Coyle will take immediate charge of the team, although with this weekend's clash against Sunderland postponed, his first match will be the Premier League clash with Arsenal a week on Sunday.[LNB]Coyle told the club's website: "I'm absolutely delighted to be back at Bolton Wanderers.[LNB]"I look forward to the opportunity of bringing the good times back to the club for everyone."[LNB]Bolton chairman Phil Gartside said: "Owen was our number one target and we are naturally delighted that he has returned to the football club as manager.[LNB]"He was an inspirational player who leads by example and a great motivator and, on behalf of everyone at Bolton Wanderers, I would like to say welcome home."[LNB]Coyle has a bedding-in period with Saturday's trip to Wearside off due to the ongoing bad weather.[LNB]The delay in confirming his appointment was largely due to Bolton's ongoing negotiations in thrashing out a compensation deal with Coyle's former club Burnley.[LNB]Caretaker boss Chris Evans had been preparing for Saturday's game before it was abandoned.[LNB]Earlier this week Scot Coyle made it clear to Burnley he wanted to make the move and reiterated his desire despite Burnley's reluctance to lose him.[LNB]Coyle led Burnley into the top flight for the first time in 33 years after moving from St Johnstone in November 2007, but believes Bolton is a better option.[LNB]Burnley graciously thanked Coyle for his achievements after confirming that a compensation package had been agreed with Bolton.[LNB]"The officials of Burnley Football Club would like to place on record their thanks to Owen for his services to the club and contribution to our success," read a statement on the club's website.[LNB]It's been a long, drawn-out week," Gartside admitted on Sky Sports News.[LNB]"Owen was the only one on the list. I'd got a list of 30 names but the only one we wanted was Owen. We haven't interviewed anyone, we haven't contacted anyone. It was just Owen that we wanted."[LNB]As for what makes Coyle special, Gartside added: "It's his desire. He had to come back here, really.[LNB]"He's well known to the place, he came through an era which was special to everybody, including me. Bruce Rioch revitalised Bolton in the early 90s. That three-year period was special and Owen was part of that.[LNB]"He is infectious. He still is infectious, even more so than before."[LNB][LNB] Barclays Premier League Relegation 2009/2010 Win Outright: Bolton 3/1  

Source: Team_Talk