Owen Coyle's Claret 'N' Blue Army!

Former St Johnstone boss Owen Coyle has been appointed Burnley's new manager after the two clubs agreed a figure over compensation (believed to be about £100,000) and held further talks today securing a deal and signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Scottish born, Coyle, 41, takes over from Steve Cotterill, who left by mutual consent on 8 November,

'Leaving St Johnstone was a wrench because of everything I have done at the club,' he said after 'I owe them a lot because they have been great. They said they would never stand in my way,' he added.

'But as soon as Burnley came on the scene it was a no-brainer. It was just too great an opportunity to turn down.' 'I know from my time at Bolton many moons ago that the fans here are passionate and now the job is to take the club on.'

According to St Johnstone Coyle was offered three SPL managerial posts in the past four seasons. The former Bolton and Republic of Ireland International striker took charge of Saints in 2005. Last season the Perth club missed out on promotion to the Scottish Premier League in the final seconds of the last match against Gretna.He also led St Johnstone to the semi-finals of the CIS and Scottish Cups last season

Coyle was given glowing references from Scotland boss Alex McLeish and Bolton supremo Phil Gartside after playing under both.

Barry Kilby was clearly delighted to get his man:

'There were some outstanding candidates for the post but Owen has all the credentials to make a success of his appointment,' Kilby said.

'He is hungry for the opportunity to manage in England after an impressive start to his career in Scotland.

'The fact that Scotland manager Alex McLeish took time out from preparing for his country's huge Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy to sing Owen's praises shows he has the support of some top people.'

There was a suggestion in the Daily Mirror though that Coyle might want to bring in his own assistant manager,Sandy Stewart but he also sounded keen to retain Steve Davis as part of his backroom coaching team.

Coyle's first game in charge will be against Stoke this Saturday.

Welcome aboard Owen and good luck!

Watch out for another Vital article soon that gives a bit more background to our new gaffer and some of the events leading up to his appointment