Bolton chairman had say in Burnley appointment of Coyle

Burnley chief Paul Fletcher has revealed the influence of Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside in the appointment of Owen Coyle two years ago.

Coyle only yesterday rejected the prospect of succeeding George Burley as Scotland coach.

“He was on a long list of candidates, which included household names like Peter Reid. No-one had heard of him, but Phil Gartside (Bolton Wanderers’ chairman) had recommended him,” Fletcher explained to the Lancashire Telegraph.

“By some great stroke of luck Barry Kilby was playing golf in Scotland and arranged to meet him.

“If he hadn’t have been there, would he have met Owen, or would he have crossed him off the list? It’s fate!”