Rumour Mill-Bolton want Owen Coyle?

Bolton want to replace boss Gary Megson with Burnley manager Owen Coyle in the summer according to the News of the World.

If true this is obviously a compliment following the success of our manager this season with the club having good runs in the two domestic Cup competitions and still pushing for a play-offs spot in the Championship!

It is quite clear Owen Coyle would know how to beat Premier League sides with the Clarets having beaten Fulham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and West Brom in a game this season.

It would be a terrible wrench for Clarets fans though if we were to lose the gaffer and the blow would only be softened really if we achieved promotion to the Premier League this season.

Bolton's current manager, Gary Megson took over at the club in October 2007 signing a two and a half years deal. The club at the time was at the foot of the Premier League following Sammy Lee's tenure at the helm.

Megson took over the job knowing he wasn't the club's first choice with Steve Bruce and Chris Coleman believed to have been ahead of the former West Brom manager in preference.

Bolton survived the drop though but have now become a midtable side, currently 12th this season in the Championship and not yet completely safe with only seven points more than current third from bottom club, Blackburn Rovers. Co-incidentally of course Rovers are now managed by probably Bolton's best former manager in recent times, Sam Allardyce. Mid-table would not be good enough for the ambitious Bolton board though with the club in past recent seasons pushing for a place in Europe. Bolton finished sixth in 2004-5 qualifying for the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history.

Megson has also had a love, mainly hate relationship with the Bolton fans and was verbally abused after the 2-2 draw at Blackburn last month by a section of the fans. His days may well be numbered

Coyle has strong links with Bolton however and this could explain their interest if the rumour is true.

In the summer of 1993, Bolton forked out £250,000 to sign Coyle from Airdrieonians.

During his two year spell in England he was involved in a promotion and a brief chance to play in the Premiership. As a striker he scored 12 goals in 54 appearances for the Trotters

In October 1995 he was transferred to Dundee United for £400,000.

Could the rumour be true?

Well not according to Bolton who in an official statement have described the speculation in the News of the World as unfounded, wholly inaccurate and misleading

'It is just rubbish.' said a Club Spokesman

Either way let's hope we can keep Coyle where he is needed at Turf Moor.

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