Source: Team_Talk
Coyle delighted by double swoop
olton manager Owen Coyle expressed his delight after the signings of Martin Petrov and Robbie Blake were completed on Thursday morning.[LNB] Bulgaria midfielder Petrov, who agreed terms with the club last week after being released by Manchester City at the end of last season, has penned a two-year deal.[LNB]"He's someone I've admired for a long time because he's a top-class player and this is a tremendous signing for the club," Coyle told the official club website.[LNB]"As far as I'm concerned he's probably one of the best Bosman transfers available. To try to purchase him on the market last year then it would have cost you £4-5million easily.[LNB]"He has played in a Manchester City side - one which was going for the Champions League - over the last few years so that tells you the level that he's played at. Plus he's got a tremendous pedigree having played at major European clubs like Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid as well.[LNB]"He can play on the left, play on the right and behind the main striker, so he has different dimensions to his play. He's an exciting player, a creator of goals and he's also a scorer of goals and he's a tremendous all-round player."[LNB]Petrov spent three years with City, scoring 12 goals in 66 appearances - a tally that surely would have been larger had injury not blighted his time in Manchester.[LNB]A knee injury prematurely ended his involvement last season and he was subsequently released by Roberto Mancini alongside fellow internationals Benjani Mwaruwari and Sylvinho.[LNB]Everton, West Ham and Aston Villa were also linked with Petrov, though Bolton's interest always appeared the most concrete.[LNB]In 77 caps, the 31-year-old has scored 19 times for Bulgaria.[LNB]Blake, 34, has signed a one-year contract and will link up again with his former Burnley boss following the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League.[LNB]Coyle said: "We are delighted to have signed such an experienced footballer in Robbie Blake.[LNB]"He has proven Premier League ability and adds to our striking options. He is a bubbly character who will be a great lad to have in the dressing room.[LNB]"I worked with him for two fantastic years and I am pleased to link up with him again because I know a number of clubs were interested in securing his signature."
