Stewart plays down Coyle talk

Clarets assistant rejects Bolton speculation

Last updated: 2nd January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Stewart plays down Coyle talk

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Burnley assistant boss Sandy Stewart has played down rumours linking Owen Coyle with a move to Bolton.

Former Bolton player Coyle is believed to be the club's top target to succeed Gary Megson at the Reebok Stadium.

Coyle missed the press conference after Saturday's FA Cup win at MK Dons to fuel speculation over his future.

However, Stewart, who took over the media duties, says people should not read too much into it and claims Coyle is happy to stay at Burnley.

"There is nothing to read into this," said Stewart.

"Owen had to get away to see his family to celebrate the New Year and if he had done the press there is a real danger he would have missed his flight."

Speculation

About the Bolton rumours, Stewart added: "It's simply speculation and we had it in the summer with Celtic.

"Until something else happens, I can't make much comment but what I do know is he is very happy at Burnley.

"We have worked hard and we think we have done a good job here to put Burnley in good standing.

"We are happy here, we think we have taken the club forward and that is all we can concentrate on.

"It is up to other people to decide whether it would be a sideways move. If that moment in time comes when Owen has to decide, then he might decide that it is.

"If you asked every player in that changing room, they would hope that it was not Owen Coyle's last game in charge and they don't think it is."

Coyle made a point of approaching the away end after the final whistle and applauding them for their support.

Stewart insisted Coyle was not saying goodbye to the fans who had made the journey - but did admit he hopes to continue to partner Coyle wherever he ends up managing.

"It was not a wave goodbye. He does the same after every game as he appreciates the support when they have made a journey," noted Stewart.

"Right now there is nowhere for him to go so he will stay at Burnley.

"We have a great partnership. We have worked together at St Johnstone and Burnley so, whatever happens, hopefully that partnership will continue.

"At this moment in time, that will be at Burnley."

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MK Dons boss Paul Ince was happy with his side's performance despite seeing them crash out.

"I said to them after the game that it was a pleasure to be the manager of that team," said Ince.

"We played well throughout the game and it came down to making mistakes.

"Against Premier League sides you get punished but we kept the belief that we could compete and if we had scored earlier it may have been different.

"We could have scored four goals in the second half and I am disappointed in the result - but not the performance.

"I can't fault any of them."