BOLTON SACK COACH

Owen Coyle has been sacked as manager of
Bolton Wanderers, two-and-a-half years after
taking charge.
The announcement was made on Bolton's official
Twitter feed, which stated: "Bolton Wanderers
announce that Owen Coyle has been relieved of
his duties as manager. #BWFC"
Saturday's defeat at Millwall, which left the club
in 18th position in the Championship with just
three wins from 10 games, prompted a meeting
with owner Eddie Davies and chairman Phil
Gartside yesterday.
It was thought the former Burnley manager
would remain in charge beyond the international
break, but with the prospect of playing third-
placed Wolverhampton Wanderers and
Middlesbrough away, after facing Bristol City at
home, left the 46-year-old with a grim battle to
hold on to his job, which it would appear the
owners felt he was not up to fighting. Despite
that, owner Kevin Gartside placed on record his
thanks.
"Owen poured his heart and soul into the job on
and off the pitch. He led our club with great
dignity during challenging times," he said. "I
would like to place on record our thanks to
Owen, Sandy Stewart and Steve Davis for all
their hard work during their time.
Gartside last month said Bolton were looking for
an average of two points per game in their quest
for an immediate return to the Premier League,
and that he and Coyle were putting themselves
under "100 per cent pressure" to ensure they
went back up.
Coyle retained many of his best playing assets in
an attempt to secure that promotion, helped by
the prospect of the improved top-flight television
deal. But the sense that Coyle's grip on his job
was weakening was heightened by a home defeat
to Crystal Palace and the 2-1 loss at the New
Den which followed a 2-2 home draw with Leeds
United.
Coyle said today: "I have always been driven to
act in the best interests of the club and care
passionately about it.
"I had fantastic times here as a player and it has
been a privilege to have held the post of
manager.
"I want to thank the fans for their backing since
I returned, the chairman Phil Gartside and the
owner Eddie Davies for their support and
friendship and the club's staff and players for all
their effort and commitment.
"I wish everyone connected with Bolton
Wanderers all the very best."
When Coyle was appointed in January 2010
following the departure of Gary Megson, his
appointment was seen as something of a scalp.
Coyle had brought Burnley up from the
Championship the previous season and had seen
his side beat Manchester United 1-0 at Turf
Moor in what was the club's first top-flight
match at home for 33 years.
Despite things going well at Burnley, the former
Wanderers player found the call of a switch to
the Reebok impossible to turn down.
In his first season, Bolton finished 14th but the
following year was to prove more difficult. Bolton
would be relegated in 2012, but the season will
be best remembered for the collapse of Fabrice
Muamba on the turf of White Hart Lane. Coyle
acted with great dignity during that period as
the midfielder recovered from his heart-attack.
Jimmy Phillips and Sammy Lee will take
temporary charge of the first team squad while a
new manager is sought.