Source: Team_Talk
Coyle: O'Neill is perfect role model
The 43-year-old Clarets boss holds the Northern Irishman in the highest regard and believes all young managers should endeavour to follow in the footsteps of the former Nottingham Forest winger.[LNB]In some aspects the pair's careers have marked contrasts, while in others there are some similarities.[LNB]O'Neill won the European Cup with Forest and played 64 times for his country.[LNB]Coyle, with a solitary Republic of Ireland friendly appearance to his name, played for the likes of Dumbarton, Clydebank and Bolton[LNB]However, when it comes to management Coyle - whose previous jobs were at Falkirk and St Johnstone - is following a path and approach O'Neill took when he first accepted the coaching job at Wycombe before eventually progressing to Leicester, Celtic and now Villa.[LNB]"Martin O'Neill is the perfect role model. He wasn't gifted a top job, even given he was a top player who won the European Cup," said Coyle.[LNB]"He has worked his socks off at the coal face going from Wycombe to Leicester and everything he has got he has earned - no-one has handed him anything.[LNB]"That is the type of manager I am very respectful of. He is a tremendous role model for all us young managers trying to make our way in the game."[LNB]Coyle, who celebrates his second year in charge at Burnley this weekend, is doing a decent job of making his way in the game with the Clarets.[LNB]The Scot took over on November 22 2007 with the Clarets 13th in the Championship and inside 18 months guided them into the top-flight - via the play-offs - for the first time in 33 years.[LNB]They are currently exceeding expectations sitting 10th in the Premier League but Coyle is realistic to know the hard work is far from over.[LNB]Less than 12 months ago Hull were doing even better in their maiden top-flight campaign but struggled desperately in the second half of the season and escaped relegation by only one point.[LNB]It is a situation Coyle is determined to avoid.[LNB]"I think it has certainly flown. I have loved every minute of it and it has been a fantastic journey," he said. "But we have to continue that and make sure the next two years are as eventful.[LNB]"I'm not being smart or clever but it has not surprised me. I believe we had the potential to bring it together.[LNB]"We have brought young, exciting players to the club and mixed them with some of the players we inherited - who we have got playing to a higher and more consistent level than they were.[LNB]"It is an onward process, a work in progress, and we have to keep bringing it all on."[LNB]Coyle continued: "We have had some highs and lows along the way but we have to make sure there are more highs in the coming years.[LNB]"Winning the play-off final at Wembley was the high point, because that is what brought us here.[LNB]"The low point was the Carling Cup semi-final and how cruel it ended for us (Tottenham scored twice in the last two minutes of second-leg extra time to win 6-4 on aggregate last season)."[LNB]Having signed off before the international break on a high thanks to a late 3-3 draw at Manchester City, Coyle is keen for his side to rise to the occasion at home.[LNB]"For me Aston Villa are making a real concerted effort to push into that top four," he added. "You only have to look at the squad they have to know it is undoubted quality.[LNB]"They are packed with pace and power and it will be a tough game.[LNB]"We have to be at our best, if we are we can win games."[LNB][LNB]
