This is an inspiring piece from Henry Winter in The Daily Telegraph:
(For the full article, see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bolton-wanderers/9154414/Bolton-Manager-Owen-Coyle-has-shown-inspirational-leadership-during-these-troubled-days.html )
"The Glaswegian has been an inspiring leader during these
troubled days, not simply in the support he has shown [Farbice] Muamba’s family and the
way he has tended his distressed flock.
Coyle has handled the media adroitly, always exuding
positivity. In times of darkness, football needs beacons of hope and Coyle has
lit them across the land.
A humble character, Coyle will hate this sentiment but it
needs chronicling for all time that he has embedded himself so deeply in the
affections of the Bolton public.
As a player, Coyle lifted Bolton up once before, helping
them rise to the Premier League via the play-offs in 1995.
As a manager, Coyle has now lifted the club off its knees.
The nation has also seen and admired somebody assuming
responsibility when most required. So ‘66 was a great year for English
football: Owen Coyle was born.
This is a man of principle, a figure who inspires trust
amongst his players.
It is astonishing to consider that earlier this season
Coyle’s leadership credentials were being questioned. Not now. Not after these
past few days.
Whatever fate befalls Bolton this season, and the feeling
endures that they could be acquiring the quickening resolve (as well as players
like Rio Miyaichi) to scrap their way out of the relegation basement, Coyle’s
reputation has been enhanced. His critics have been scattered.
Some men are made for such moments. Again, Coyle will hate
the praise. That’s not his style. Never has been.
In company, the former Republic of Ireland international is
modest and bright, talking almost too quickly such is the abundance of ideas
spilling forth.
Attending one of Kevin Davies’ golf days last year, I
suggested a quick coffee with Coyle in the clubhouse and listened spellbound to
his espousal of the passing game and of football’s role in the community.
Coyle enthuses people, especially players. It is little
surprise that managers like Arsenal’s Arsène Wenger entrust him with youngsters
like Miyaichi and particularly Jack Wilshere, who flourished on loan under
Coyle.
Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge also matured as man and player
during his spell at the Reebok.
It is also little surprise that Bolton’s dressing-room is
home to some of the more thoughtful souls in the game like Davies, Sam
Ricketts, Stuart Holden, Nigel Reo-Coker and Muamba.
They enjoy working with such a shrewd teacher as Coyle.
If Coyle has been seen in the right light over the past few
days, the game he loves and serves so well has been viewed in a different light…….”
