Bolton chairman backs Coyle

Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has given his support to manager Owen Coyle, despite the fact that his team sank to the bottom of the Premier League after the weekend’s fixtures.

A 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa saw The Trotters leapfrogged by Wigan, and the side from the Reebok Arena are firmly rooted to the bottom of the pile on nine points.

Despite questions being asked over Coyle’s future, Gartside has stated that the Scottish coach will not be sacked.

“Owen’s our man. We are working to a longer term here. He is committed to it and we are committed to the job in hand,” he told Mirror Football.

“We have had to change the way we work because of the finances of football but Owen’s a big part of that project.’’

Coyle himself has remained apathetic throughout the bad run of form, and would understand should the club decide to relieve him of his position.

“I don’t fear for my job. If people who make the decisions feel that is the right decision, then so be it.

“I have been in the game long enough to know it’s a results business.

“All we can do is knuckle down and try and get through this because it’s a horrible period,” he stated.

Bolton travel to take on Fulham next Saturday at Craven Cottage.

By Gareth McKnight