Coyle: I'm not on my Owen

Jun 22 2008 Mark Guidi

Coyle Hooks Up With Wenger As Burnley Drive To The Premiership

OWEN COYLE took just two months of his Burnley reign to win friends in high places - now Arsene Wenger is his trump card in the race for the Premiership.

The Arsenal boss was impressed by kindred spirit Coyle's free-flowing side during their FA Cup tie in January that the Premiership giants edged 2-0.

Wenger never forgot Coyle and sent his best youngster to Turf Moor on loan to learn his trade under the former Republic of Ireland striker.

Coyle said: "It was encouraging to hear Arsene pay us the ultimate compliment after we ran them close at our place.

"He said he expected us to have heart and fight but did not expect the level of technical ability we showed.

"That was great to hear and shows we're doing something right.

"After that we were in talks with Arsenal and ended up getting their England youth international Mark Randall on loan for the second half of the season.

"I spoke to Liam Brady and he said Arsene was happy the lad was going to us.

"Mark did great for Burnley and developed well. And when he went back, Arsenal played him in their final home game of the season against Middlesbrough.

"So it would be nice to think Arsenal will consider us for more such deals. But I'd like to get permanent transfers in.

"I want to identify players at an age where we get them for decent money, improve them then make them a real asset both financially and on the pitch."

Coyle left St Johnstone in November along with his assistant Sandy Stewart to move south and just missed out on the play-offs for a place in the Premiership.

He knows Burnley will be expected to finish in the top six next term but insists it will take an unbelievable effort to get such a modest club there.

Coyle said: "I inherited a squad of good players but we lack a bit of youth. We need pace and energy and I have a few bids in.

"It's going to be a tough season but one I'm looking forward to. We will be up against it as six clubs have £12million parachute payments from the Premiership.

"And with Nottingham Forest up we may well be the 22nd best supported team in the division. So there must be a balance between expectation and realism.

"To be in with a chance of doing well you have to make your ground a fortress.

I also feel we have an obligation to entertain and play with wingers.

"Seeing a wide man beat a player and whip over a cross gets fans out of their seats and that's what we all want to see."

Coyle has been in Austria to do his UEFA coaching licence and it's the final step on a journey he began 15 years ago.

He said: "I startedmy SFA B licence at 25 and wanted to get into coaching but you need to be given a chance.

"My first opportunity came when I was playing for Dunfermline and took almost a 75 per cent drop in wages to join Ian McCall at Airdrie as player-coach.

"I've had my fair share of ups and downs since - Airdrie went bust, I helped Falkirk win the First Division as co-manager then turned down the permanent job to join Ian at Dundee United where I eventually left after being asked to take a big pay cut.

"Football can leave you feeling down and that's why you should make the most of the highs. I'm sure we'll have a few at Burnley next season."