Source: Team_Talk
Eagles gets one over on Coyle
Chris Eagles has admitted he owes a debt of gratitude to Owen Coyle - but it didn't stop him having a chuckle at his old manager's expense.[LNB] From the moment a mischievous Carling Cup draw sent Bolton to the club he abandoned to join them in January, Coyle knew he was going to be in for a hot reception.[LNB]Eagles was acutely aware of it too given how high emotions still run at the manner of Coyle's departure.[LNB]And the Turf Moor faithful did not let anyone down, jeering the Scot from the moment he emerged from the dressing rooms to his departure almost two hours later.[LNB]That Burnley prevailed thanks to Wade Elliott's first-half volley just put the gloss on a perfect night.[LNB]"I have never experienced all that anger towards one person before," said Eagles.[LNB]"It was expected because there had been rumours around town. But when I actually heard the stick Owen was getting, it was quite funny.[LNB]"I was having a bit of banter with him at the side myself but it was all good fun.[LNB]"Owen has done a lot for the club and for me personally.[LNB]"He brought me to the place and then had the faith to play me.[LNB]"I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for him, so I will always have respect for him, just like I do with Sir Alex Ferguson, and I wish him all the best in the future."[LNB]Having disposed of one former boss, Eagles will now cross his fingers for a meeting with another, having left Manchester United for Burnley in 2008.[LNB]That dream almost came true in remarkable fashion during that first season with the Clarets, only for two Tottenham goals in the final couple of minutes in extra-time to rob the club of a Carling Cup final appearance against the Red Devils at Wembley.[LNB]"That would have been perfect," said Eagles.[LNB]"It would still be a good draw now because they are a special club to me.[LNB]"But our main aim is to get back up to the Premier League. That is what we have to concentrate on."[LNB]There was a point last month when it seemed Eagles would not be in a position to enjoy such nights.[LNB]Rangers had a bid accepted for the 24-year-old Londoner, who headed north to Glasgow with Walter Smith believing he was going to make a rare signing.[LNB]The Scottish champions subsequently claimed Eagles' wage demands were far beyond what they could afford, despite their status in the Champions League.[LNB]For his part, Eagles said the whole transfer "did not feel quite right".[LNB]He returned to Burnley, contacted operational director Brendan Flood and immediately agreed a two-year deal that includes a clause adding an extra season should the club get back into the Premier League.[LNB]"The decision to stay was not hard at all," he said.[LNB]"It would have been harder to leave. That is why I didn't.[LNB]"It just didn't feel right. I can't explain it. My mum brought me up to play with a smile on my face.[LNB]"I would play for nothing but if I am not happy what is the point?[LNB]"Thankfully, the fans stuck with me. When the season started and there were all these rumours my head was all over the place.[LNB]"But I am settled now and need to thank Brian Laws for having enough faith in me to push Brendan Flood for my contract, so I could start again and prove what I could do."
