Coyle gets backing from Bolton chairman

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has given his backing to manager Owen Coyle despite the club lying bottom of the English Premier League table.

The Bolton manager has worked in accordance with Gartside’s attempts to address the club’s financial worries.

But there has been growing concerns at the Reebok Stadium over the side’s recent form, having lost 12 of their opening 15 games this season – including Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa.

Gartside told The Mirror: “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.”

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

Following the departure of Johan Elmander and Daniel Sturridge’s return to Chelsea, Bolton have been forced to revamp their squad on a tight budget.

Coyle dipped into the Championship for new signings Chris Eagles, Tyrone Mears and Darren Pratley, and also made loan moves for Dedryck Boyata, Gael Kakuta and Tuncay.

Coyle remains confident of his position, saying: “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.”

Bolton have struggled to replicate the goalscoring threat of Elmander and Sturridge from last season, and have been hit by the long term injuries to key midfielders Lee Chung-Yong and Stuart Holden.

But former Burnley boss Coyle is confident his men can improve their league form.

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