Owen Coyle

Lore & Background

Coyle began his senior career with Dumbarton in 1985, later playing for Clydebank and Airdrieonians before joining Bolton Wanderers in 1993. He helped Bolton win promotion to the Premier League in 1995. After spells with Dundee United, Motherwell, Dunfermline Athletic, Falkirk, and St Johnstone, he moved into management. He managed Falkirk, St Johnstone, Burnley (leading them to Premier League promotion in 2009), Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Houston Dynamo, Blackburn Rovers, Ross County, Chennaiyin, Jamshedpur, and Queen's Park. He made one full international appearance for the Republic of Ireland in 1994.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed against the touchline at Falmer as the away manager paced nervously. He wore a sharp coat, hands deep in pockets, shouting instructions that bounced off the empty upper tiers. The crowd roared for their own team, but there was a respectful nod to the opposition boss's intensity. It wasn't one of his clubs; he never led this badge. But for ninety minutes, he was the adversary to be overcome, a familiar face from rival campaigns now standing against the Seagulls' ascent.

Reader's Guide

Coyle is a former striker who played for multiple clubs in Scotland and England, and later became a manager. His managerial career includes leading Burnley to the Premier League and taking Chennaiyin to the ISL final. He has managed in Scotland, England, the United States, and India.

Did You Know?

• Coyle scored a hat-trick on his debut for Airdrieonians in 1990.
• He scored Bolton's second goal in the 86th minute of the 1995 playoff final, with Mixu Paatelainen netting the winner in extra time.
• Coyle made one full international appearance for the Republic of Ireland, coming on as a substitute against the Netherlands in 1994.
• He played for Burnley Reserves in a friendly in 2009 at age 42, but did not score.
• Coyle returned to playing action at age 44 for Bolton in a friendly in 2010.