Source: Team_Talk
Clarets ace: Coyle has respect
The Clarets face Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final on Monday as they aim to return to the top flight for the first time in 33 years.
Coyle has earned admiration throughout the country after his side bundled Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal out of the Carling Cup and came agonisingly close to overcoming Tottenham in an epic semi-final encounter.
Yet the former Bolton striker's most ardent supporters can be found within Turf Moor.
"It's very rare that you get a manager that every single player at the club likes," said Thompson, a free transfer signing from Cardiff last September.
"But I think that's the case here.
"He's friends with all of us and we all get on very well with him.
"I think that's been the key to our success this season.
"The manager is an infectious person to be around, very bubbly, and he also knows a thing or two about football."
Coyle exudes positivity and that has clearly rubbed off on his players throughout their marathon campaign.
The winner-takes-all clash at Wembley will be Burnley's 61st game of the season.
There is trust and there is undeniable progress at all levels at Turf Moor.
Thompson explained: "The gaffer is great and I think his man management has been the key.
"He keeps everybody on their toes, he keeps everybody involved and he keeps everybody happy.
"When you've got a happy bunch of players who are talented then you're halfway there."
Coyle arrived at Burnley in November 2007 from St Johnstone with ambition coursing through his veins.
He has fashioned a talented young side and Chris Eagles and Martin Paterson have proved astute acquisitions.
So has Thompson, who offers the Clarets a physical presence up front after being shown the door by Cardiff.
"It's been a fantastic move for me," said the Scotland international.
"I had a year left at Cardiff and could have stayed there.
"But things had gone slightly pear-shaped for me and I wanted to leave.
"The club were happy with that and it's just great that this opportunity at Burnley came up."
Thompson, 30, played at Wembley for Cardiff in last season's FA Cup semi-final and final.
He missed Burnley's Carling Cup run earlier this season due to having played for the Bluebirds in the competition in August.
The former Rangers striker is confident the Clarets can overcome Kevin Blackwell's side and claim a coveted place in the top flight.
Coyle's men have prepared for the game with a three-day training break on the Algarve.
Thompson said: "I think it was a good idea to get away and chill out for a bit, although we did train hard over there.
"Everybody is very focused and the manager is very good at keeping the players calm.
"We don't have any prima donnas or so-called big-timers."
Thompson believes his side - who will be at full strength at Wembley - will not be intimidated by the physical approach of Blackwell's side.
"We've got some strong players as well, so we can mix it when we have to," he added.
"The form book goes out of the window in these games but both teams are going into this game in very good form."
