Coyle a Clarets Triallist

Our gaffer, Owen Coyle does seem to still like the odd game of football. At the ripe young age of 41, he played up front this week in a Burnley reserve game against Blackpool at Fleetwood Town's ground. This follows on from the friendly game against Eircom league side, Bohemians last month in Ireland when he came on from the bench.

So the name of Owen Coyle can now officially be added to the player-manager list for Burnley. Chris Waddle and Adrian Heath amongst others will be proud!

Those fans buying the programme for the Coventry game recently, will have seen the proof with a superb photograph of Owen coming on against Bohemians stood next to the fourth official. He wore Kyle Lafferty's kit that day and you can just about see his little head, legs and arms poking through it!! The comment provided by club photographer, Andy Ford in the article sums that one up ' Not exactly a Saville Row fit!'

So what about the Blackpool reserve game this week?

The gaffer is not registered to play for the first team, so his run-out in this match had to be classed as a triallist.

The official reason given for his selection was given by Owen Coyle himself:

'We were short of strikers through injuries and suspensions, so I couldn't take a risk.

'Reserve team football is all about bringing the kids on and giving them 90 minutes, so I was able to pass on my experience to them on the pitch.'

Yeah,yeah Owen you 'ickle liar, you just wanted to play footy didnt you? Just kidding mate, I think it is great you are joining in like this, must be fantastic for building team spirit and improving team bonding.

The Burnley team for the night also featured a few first team players on the periphery of the side and those returning from injury. The side lined up as follows:

Kiraly, Hoskin, Duff, Davis (Lynch 69), Jordan, MacDonald, Spicer, Randall, Mahon, Ray Harvey, Coyle (Fletcher 76). Not Used: Ritchie, Anderson, Bradley.

It was good to see Duff getting another run out with Mahon also looking close to a return to full fitness. Look also at the back four. Davis? Yes that is first team coach Steve Davis so another one who finds retiring from playing football difficult. Needs must though!

But what of Owen Coyle's performance? Well OK he didnt score in his sides 2-1 victory. Alex Ray-Harvey and Alex McDonald were our scorers.

By all accounts though, he led the attack and went close to scoring on seven occasions.

We certainly seem to have a very fit gaffer, maybe he should register as a first team player. How novel would that be to see a 41 year old score for the Clarets in a Championship match? Teddy Sheringham, eat your heart out! Alan Shearer? hahaha!!





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