Coyle enjoys his learning curve

Last updated : 08 May 2010 By Team Talk

Coyle admits there have been highs and lows in his role at both clubs, having left Turf Moor in January to lift Wanderers out of the relegation zone, but he is already looking to the future.

"It has been an eventful season, starting it with Burnley where I had a terrific time," he said.

"I poured my heart and soul into the job and it was a real wrench to leave them.

"Coming to Bolton with the club in the bottom three, the job we had to do was make sure we stayed in the Premier League.

"We did that with games to spare and what we have to do now is look to move the club forward.

"It is a season which I believe has made me a better manager than I was last year.

"I don't have all the answers but I like to think we are improving and if we continue to do that I can help the club.

"The biggest learning curve for me this year was the Premier League and the margins between the team.

"The minimal decisions can be the difference. As a manager it has been a terrific learning curve."

Coyle comes up against good friend Alex McLeish at the Reebok on Sunday.

Birmingham have exceeded expectations in comfortably establishing themselves as a mid-table club and Coyle hopes it is an example Bolton can follow.

"Alex is a personal friend of mine, having signed me from Dundee United for Motherwell and I think he knows how I did for him as a player," added the Wanderers boss.

"He has been sensational at Birmingham and it is all credit to him.

"Birmingham have surpassed everyone's expectations and he will be looking to build on that next year.

"Any team would look at them and say they could emulate that but first and foremost you have to get your own house in order.

"But after the season they have had they are a role model for one or two clubs."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk