Coyle plays down talk of Bolton sack

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has played down suggestions the losing manager in Tuesday night's crunch clash at Blackburn will be sacked.

Wanderers are bottom of the table with Rovers just one place and a point above them.

Blackburn's Steve Kean has been under pressure all season, with fans staging protests against his tenure, while Bolton's poor run of results has seen a shift in the mood of some supporters recently.

But Coyle, who has been publicly backed by chairman Phil Gartside, claimed he was unaware of talk which suggested the beaten man could be dismissed.

"It is news to me but that is the nature of football," said the Scot.

"Everyone has an opinion and loves a negative story.

"It doesn't faze me. Whatever ultimately happens to you in life will happen.

"We all have jobs to do and as long as no-one gets personal about anyone at my club we will not have a problem about that.

"Have your opinion, call it any way you like but it doesn't faze me.

"But what I do know is by going and winning points you can turn that opinion very quickly.

"I think it is fair to say it is a huge game.

"There is no getting away from it because when you are on a disappointing run like we have been on when those opportunities pass you by the next game becomes greater.

"Because of the circumstances of both clubs there is no doubt this is the biggest game of the season - absolutely.

"But we also know it could be the platform and catalyst for us to pick up points and move forward and start moving up the league.

"It is a great opportunity as far as I am concerned."

Coyle had some good news today when United States midfielder Stuart Holden returned to the training ground to continue working his way back from a knee injury.

"He is an infectious character and we love having him," added Coyle.

"It was important that he got back home and did a lot of his rehab with his national team but it is always nice when you have a player of that ilk back.

"He bounced in this morning and came in to see me.

"He is a terrific lad and loves being at the club and there is no doubt he has been sadly missed.

"The sooner we have him back the better it is for all concerned and I'm sure he'll give everyone a boost."