New Bolton striker Daniel Sturridge has admitted that Owen Coyle played a big part in his move to the club.
On-loan striker admits manager played big part in move
New Bolton striker Daniel Sturridge has admitted that Owen Coyle played a big part in his loan move to the club.
The England under-21 international has long been regarded as a player of high potential, but his spells at big-spending Manchester City and Chelsea have seen his first-team chances limited due to the names ahead of him.
Following the arrival of Fernando Torres for £50million at Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day in January, Sturridge was free to seek a short-term switch away from Stamford Bridge.
Coyle was the man who came calling for the 19-year-old, and after the success of young Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere following a similar move at the same stage of last season, Sturridge wanted to take the chance.
"I lost my phone the other day so I didn't get to speak to anyone, I just went on what the manager told me and I know a few of the players here anyway so it wasn't a huge issue," Sturridge said.
"I knew it was a great club and what the manager said to me was enough to convince me.
"I think Kevin Davies is the best target man in the country," he added. "No one else can do what he does. He's a fighter, I've never seen a player win so many headers in my life.
"He's a strong player and he can score goals and he's got a good touch as well.
"(Johan) Elmander's a skilful player and he's started to gain confidence since he started playing under Owen Coyle, and that's the main reason I came here because I know he'll be able to instil some confidence in me and I can start playing some good football also.
"I'm sure I'll enjoy my time here and I'll leave with a smile on my face."
Impact
Despite being yet to break his duck in the Premier League this term, Coyle was confident his new striker could thrive at the Reebok Stadium, citing Wilshere's success as an example.
"You look at the impact that Jack had last year and since he's gone back (to Arsenal).
"I think Fabio Capello's now talking about building the England team around him because of the quality he's shown, and he's continued to improve. Sometimes young players just need that opportunity and then their career just blossoms.
"When he (Sturridge) has had an opportunity to play he's shown everybody the quality he has and he'll get that opportunity at Bolton Wanderers, and it will be up to him to go and show, not only the Barclays Premier League, but the whole world the talent he has, because I certainly believe in it.
"The easiest thing for him would have been to sit on the bench at Chelsea but I think he's shown tremendous bravery to say, 'I want to come out and play and show everybody the quality I have'.
"And he's got to be applauded for that. That's part of his character and
something that I really warmed to."
