Bolton chairman Phil Gartside believes there will be no lasting
fall-out with Burnley over his pursuit of manager Owen Coyle.
Coyle has been installed at the Reebok Stadium following his
decision to leave the Clarets after guiding them back into the top
flight after a 33-year absence.
Burnley chairman Barry Kilby was upset with Bolton and
claimed they were "not the best of pals", claiming the Glasgow-born
boss had taken "a sideways step".
With the clubs due to meet on January 26 it promises to be an
intriguing situation on the pitch - and in the boardroom. Asked
about Bolton's relationship with Burnley, Gartside said: "It is the
same as it has ever been - we are competitors in this business.
"No doubt we will sit down and have a drink again in a couple
of weeks and get on with life.
"A sideways step? That is not for me to judge. I do not know
what Burnley are like. I can only judge what we have here and Owen
likes what he sees."
Coyle has replaced Gary Megson, who failed to win over a
section of the support despite keeping the club in the top flight.
The former St Johnstone manager is keen to get the fans on board
and reflected on the time when he was a Bolton player in the 1990s.
Coyle said: "The fans played such a special part in that era.
Phil Brown was the captain for a couple of years and we had some
terrific players.
"There was John McGinlay, Alan Thompson, Jason McAteer, Alan
Stubbs and Tony Kelly to name but a few.
"The was a special rapport within the squad. We had a
fantastic team spirit, which was evident and the fans could see
that.
"That is something I am looking to foster, like we did at
Burnley.
"I want to make sure that the fans know when the players wear
that shirt they wear it with pride and give everything in terms of
trying to win a match."
Coyle has encouraged his teams to play an expansive game and
he knows that is what Bolton supporters want after Megson's
departure. However, he said: "I don't think you can change from one
style to another overnight but we will look for gradual
progression.
"I believe we have the players to keep us in the Premier
League - and that has to be the priority.
"It will involve a lot of hard work. There is no magic wand
where you sprinkle fairy dust and everything happens."
Coyle is now looking forward to a home game with Arsenal on
Sunday and added: "It cannot come quickly enough for me. I know we
will have to give our very best if we are to get something from the
match."
