‘A Tragedy for Burnley’. That is how Bolton Wanderers defender Gretar Steinsson has described the departure of Owen Coyle from Turf Moor.

Coyle left Burnley to join north west rivals Wanderers for whom he played during his career and the impact has not gone unnoticed by his new squad. Icelandic international Steinsson said "It is a tragedy for them but that is just how football is. He really wanted to come here. That is what we players see and feel. That gives us a boost because he wants to have this challenge with this group and he will take this team forward. The players have been buzzing around with the new manager and the positive attitude he and his staff brought with him."         

Burnley are the visitors to the Reebok Stadium this week and tension are sure to be running high. The close proximity of the cubs in the bottom half of the Premier League makes the match doubly important but, whatever the result, the pre and post match comment will focus on Coyle.

Two defeats at the hands of Arsenal, one after going two goals up, but with good performances, followed by an FA Cup win over Sheffield United, who can provide difficult opposition for anyone on their day, have bolstered Coyle’s credentials with the Bolton fans. The Burnley fans will probably not be as kind.