Owen Coyle: I'll do it in my own time

Oct 12 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

OWEN COYLE is praying he is given time to turn Burnley around - even if it takes him years to do it.

The former St Johnstone gaffer knows the English Championship is a graveyard for young managers.

He watched in disbelief almost three years ago as pal Craig Levein was given the bullet while he tried to get Leicester City back on track.

Coyle, who has just picked up September's Championship Manager of the Month award, has adopted the same approach by investing in young players who can take the club forward.

He insists he is only doing his job properly and says Burnley chief Barry Kilby appreciates what he's doing.

The Turf Moor boss said: "This league is notorious for its turnover of managers but if I'd spent money on a quick fix we'd soon be back to the same starting point. The club lost £4million last year and that couldn't go on. We decided that what money we did have we'd invest it in younger players.

"They're capable of playing right now in the Championship but they'll get better and will grow together.

"We'll have a vibrant team who will be assets, as opposed to us spending money that would depreciate.

"Craig was working under different circumstances at Leicester. He had to get rid of top players on big salaries.

"There's no doubt Craig's a top boss, he was just really unlucky. Leicester had a great run under him, getting to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

"He did a great job there but wasn't given the time and I certainly hope I'm given that.

"The owners know what we're trying to do and if we can get it done it will serve the club in the future.

"I have an obligation to make sure this club runs well for years to come."