Coyle building fortress Reebok

Coyle: Delighted with Trotters' response

Related links

Teams

• Bolton Wanderers

Also see

• Bolton fixtures
• Bolton stats
• Bolton forum

Owen Coyle has called on his Bolton players to turn the Reebok Stadium into a fortress as they target Premier League survival.

The Trotters have won two of their last fives games at home, including their FA Cup win over Sheffield United and the 1-0 victory over Wolves last time out at the Reebok.

They backed that up with a 2-1 win at West Ham but Coyle's men then suffered a 4-0 setback at Sunderland on Tuesday.

Bolton's run against their relegation rivals continues with the visit of neighbours Wigan on Saturday and Coyle is determined to bounce back from their heavy midweek defeat.

"The scoreline was harsh and anybody who was at that game will recognise that," he told Sky Sports News.

"But it happened and we can't affect it now. We've got to move on and make sure that we're ready to go and win a game at the Reebok.

Intimidating

"We're unbeaten in five at the Reebok and I've said before that when we bring it all together - the staff, players and fans alike - we make it an intimidating place for teams to come.

"We want to pride ourselves on having a good home record and we want to make sure we take that unbeaten run here to six.

"We've got nine games now, five at home and four away, and we have to maximise those opportunities."

Sunderland leapfrogged Bolton into 13th place with victory in midweek but Coyle's men go into the weekend five points clear of the bottom three.

The Bolton boss has been impressed by his players' response to Tuesday's setback and has urged them to maintain that attitude for the last nine league games.

Hunger

"I've been delighted with how the players have gone about it, the desire and the hunger they're showing," he said.

"We've added to the quality of the squad and we've been decimated by injuries and suspensions to big players during that period of time.

"But we've got on with it, with a smile on our face, and looked to win points.

"That's what we've got to do now until the end of the season because there's so much to be positive about at this football club.

"What we have to do is make sure we get those points to remain in the Premier League."