Coyle tips Clarets for Premier return

Coyle tips Clarets for Premier return

Published Sep. 21, 2010 9:15 a.m. ET

Coyle got the Clarets promoted to the top flight in 2009, but they were relegated after he left the club in January to take over at Wanderers. This evening's Carling Cup third round tie between the two sides will be the 44-year-old's first time back to Turf Moor, but Coyle believes Brian Laws will set up another reunion next season. "In football, I think we recognise whether it's as players, coaches or managers that you always eventually go back to your former clubs," Coyle said. "The cup this year has given me the opportunity to do that, but I fully expected, if we hadn't drawn Burnley in the cup, that we would meet them next year in the Premier League. "I believe they are fully equipped to come back into the Premier League with the squad they have and Brian in charge." Coyle received a hot reception from the travelling fans when Burnley were beaten at Bolton last season shortly after his move, and he is likely to be in for something similar - if not worse - tonight, but the manager has vowed to try to keep smiling. "In the career I've had, I've had many setbacks along the way, so in terms of mental strength, I think I have bounced back a number of times from trials and tribulations" said Coyle. "You can't really say what the emotion is going to be until the events transpire. "But whatever comes with it, I'll do my best to deal with it, and as always, I'll try to do it with a smile on my face."

ADVERTISEMENT
share