Arsenal hero Lee Dixon has fears that Owen Coyle's appointment can inspire Bolton Wanderers against his old club today.

Cole will make his debut as Trotters manager today.

Dixon told the Sunday Mirror: "I know Gary and I like him. But from day one, he did not have the fans on his side for some ­reason and that doesn't help.

"If Arsenal go one-up early, the support will go up a notch ­behind Owen Coyle because he's the man the fans ­wanted.

"If Gary was still in charge, there would have been a ­negative air about the place and that gets to the players.

"OK, some players will look for an excuse. They may not be playing well but it was Gary who was getting the stick. They got away with it. But this time it will be different.

"A new manager always brings something different and the fact that he has the support of the crowd will be a bonus for Bolton.

"The atmosphere will be a relief to the players. There will be more apprehension in the Arsenal dressing room than the Bolton one."