Coyle enrages former club as Bolton land two new signings

Owen Coyle has smeared his relationship with the Burnley fans further by signing two of their best players for Bolton.

Deals for Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears have gone through today in a reported £3m deal and the two will link-up with recent additions Nigel Reo-Coker and Darren Pratley as Coyle begins to get active in the transfer window.

“Both Chris and Tyrone are top players and have shown they have the ability to play at the highest level, said Coyle.

“I have worked with them both before and know what they will bring to the club in terms of character and commitment and along with Nigel Reo-Coker, we have added real quality to the squad.”

Some may fear that they addition of Mears will signal the end of Gary Cahill’s Bolton days, but Coyle has just seven registered defenders in his squad and you can be certain that he will do everything he can to hold on to his star defender.

Having kept just five clean sheets last season the defence is certainly an area in which Bolton must improve but the Trotters fans will be hoping to see Coyle bring in a striker soon.

Bolton may have seven registered strikers but only three of them are recognised and Robbie Blake plays a bit part role at best.

Kevin Davies and Ivan Klasnic carry a huge amount of pressure and while Bolton’s attack was the 10th best in the league last season, Coyle needs to add to his attak if Bolton are to challenge for a top half spot.

Eagles proved in Burnely’s season in the Premier League that he is capable of holding his own at this level and both he and Reo-Coker certainly add quality to the squad.

Mears is a no nonsense defender who will fit right in at Bolton and with a minimal transfer budget, Coyle has made some solid improvements to his squad.

A striker is needed but if Coyle can find the right man, the 11/4 for Bolton to finish in the top ten looks a big price.