When Owen Coyle swapped Turf Moor for the Reebok last winter, many questioned his decision and said he’d only moved sideways as Burnley were, at the time, holding a higher position in the league than Gary Megson’s Bolton. But a look at the tables now tells an altogether different story. While Burnley are reacquainting themselves with life in the Championships in 10th position, Coyle’s new-look Bolton are mixing it up with the big boys and sit fifth in the Premier League after an impressive start to the season.
Coyle decided against a squad overhaul when he steered Bolton to a 14th place finish in the league last season after staring relegation in the face during the Christmas period. So that begs the question, ‘what has Owen Coyle done that Gary Megson wasn’t doing?’
Well it seems the former St. Johnstone boss has a real understanding of his players and his man-management abilities have had a positive effect on their performances this season, Johan Elmander being the prime example.
The 29-year-old Swede was signed for a club record of £8.2m when Nicolas Anelka was sold to Chelsea in January 2008 and had failed to live up to his price tag until recently. His form of late has been reminiscent of compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his touch Berbatov-esque. So ‘why the change in fortunes?,’ I hear you ask. Well, according to the man himself, it’s down to the manager.
Speaking of former boss Gary Megson, Elmander said: “It doesn’t help to stare and scream at me.
“I got tired the more of it I heard.
“Coyle is a great coach, who I really enjoy working with.
“It’s fantastic and great that I can finally play my game. As soon as he came to the club I started to play well, even though the goals didn’t come right away.”
The freedom given to the Bolton players to express themselves has paid dividends. The goal Elmander scored in the win at Wolves demonstrated such sleight of foot, movement and awareness of time and space in the penalty area that it was barely credible when set alongside his previous struggles.
Another Megson signing, Chung-Yong Lee, continues to flourish and Bolton are now a far more attractive proposition than in the past. Megson clearly had an eye for a player, but Coyle’s trick has been to get the best out of them.
Coyle’s main addition to the squad was the shrewd piece of business of acquiring Manchester City reject Martin Petrov on a free transfer. The Bulgarian has done a great job in hugging the touchline and providing his side with much-needed flair and width.
It is also no coincidence that Kevin Davies is enjoying a renaissance under Coyle and was duly called up to represent his country in the recent qualifier against Montenegro becoming the oldest England debutant since Leslie Compton in 1950.
The secret to Coyle’s success has been the marrying of Bolton’s old, rigid style of playing direct and aggressive football (which was implemented into the club by old manager Sam Allardyce) with a new skilful approach which allows the flair players to hurt opponents with their quick passing and the interchanging of positions. It seems his teams play as he himself did as a player, good touch bringing others in and trying to play football as it should be played. Coyle has integrated two methods and made Bolton a more potent team, and one that is more difficult to play against. It is always easier to combat a team when you know they are going to play in one certain style, but Owen has shown it can be varied and the results are there for all to see.
It seems Coyle also has a real understanding of the support of the club’s fans which he has spent a lot of time trying to please. After his predecessor enduring a difficult relationship with the Bolton faithful, Coyle has taken it upon himself to arrange fans forums where season ticket holders can get a free ticket and ask questions about anything to him and chairman Phil Gartside. There have been a few of these meetings with fans this season and he is very open and honest with his enthusiasm for the game there for all to see.
Speaking to Bolton fan Jeremy Taylor, he had an anecdote to support these claims.
He said: “I believe that he has brought some realism to the players.
“I met him the other month before the cup game against Burnley as he was heading to the team bus and I asked for a photo. He said that it was the least he could do and if we wanted a picture with any players he has told them all that it is the least they can do too.
“This tells me he is making the players realise what the fans mean to the club. This is something that we have not had since the Allardyce era.
“Megson refused all invitations to the supporter’s association meetings; he also cancelled the end of season awards ceremony, where genuine fans can attend too. He created a huge gap between those on the pitch and those in the stands.
“This has now been sorted and the air around the ground and anything Bolton Wanderers related now seems to have an air of confidence, solidarity and most of all, calm.”
Despite Bolton’s recent resurgence, it could be argued that their run has been a fairly easy start with most of the difficult games being at home. Their next 7 games include 4 of the toughest away games, including trips to Manchester City, Sunderland, Chelsea and Liverpool. The results of these games will be more of an indication of what lies ahead for Bolton in the near future.
Should he come through them well and finish the season as he has started it, do not rule out Owen Coyle as a major contender for the top jobs that may come available.