Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has voiced his discontent with Bolton
in their pursuit of Owen Coyle, saying: "I do not think we are the
best of pals."
Coyle has left the Clarets after leading them into the top
flight for the first time in 33 years and will be unveiled at the
Reebok Stadium once compensation has been agreed.
Burnley are already prepared for life after the Glasgow-born
boss, with first-team coach Steve Davis being placed in charge as
caretaker manager for the Premier League match against Stoke on
Saturday.
Coyle came in on Tuesday and said goodbye to the staff at
Burnley and Kilby could not hide his disappointment at his decision
to move to their Lancashire rivals.
Burnley travel to Bolton on January 26 with relationships
strained between the clubs.
Kilby said: "I don't think we are best of pals at the moment.
It was an unwelcome approach.
"Owen felt Bolton do have a larger player budget than we have
and it was his best way of remaining a Premiership manager, working
with a budget of that size.
"It's been a trauma for the football club. None of us wanted
Owen to go. It was a shock when all this broke. We are all grown
men and know how football works but it was quite emotional when
Owen left.
"I fully expected when he did move it would be upwards, not
sideways to a club we are fighting a relegation scrap with. We were
surprised.
"But I have been in football long enough to know these things
happen and I don't think Owen took this decision lightly.
"It was with regret that he went and he did say to me there
was only Celtic or Bolton he would leave Burnley for. But it has
come at a bad time, that is for sure."
Davis will take the reins against Stoke with the help of
goalkeeping coach Phil Hughes.
Kilby confirmed: "The backroom staff will take the team for
Saturday and Steve will be in charge."
Kilby is now keen to find a replacement for Coyle sooner
rather than later.
He added: "We have got to get going. Let's put this behind us
and make sure we stay in this Premier League.
"We have to see who is out there. We need to get this one
sorted out as soon as we can."
