Coyle defiant as Villa add to Trotters’ woes

OWEN COYLE’S optimism could never be questioned but even the Bolton manager is starting to question whether all of his players have the stomach for the fight.

Rooted at the foot of the Premier League after yet another home defeat, their seventh in eight Premier League games at the Reebok Stadium, Coyle maintained the upbeat message that Wanderers can pull themselves out of trouble.

If they are going to, however, they will have to perform considerably better than they did against Alex McLeish’s side when they lacked the basic qualities of fight and resolve; the kind of things no side in trouble can afford to lose.

Trailing by two goals at half time, Bolton finally rallied after the break and were given hope by Ivan Klasnic’s goal although they were unable to take the next step, prompting Coyle to wonder why his team was unable to muster sufficient spirit in the first half.

“We don’t have everyone available that we’d like but we do have players there who are good enough to win games,” he said. “That’s all I want — sheer passion, energy and desire but it’s not good enough to be showing that at two down in a home game we should be winning.

“That for me is galling and a sad indictment of one or two. If I had the right personnel I would change it, but I don’t have that luxury.

“All we can do is try and knuckle down and try and get our way through this because it’s a horrible period. But we’ve got to accept it.

“I am the manager and I accept full responsibility, whatever comes my way then I’ll deal with it in the manner I have to — up front.”

Coyle retains the support of the Bolton board but he accepts his position will come under growing scrutiny.

He said: “I don’t fear for my job. If people who make the decisions feel that is the right decision, then so be it.

Alex McLeish had sympathy for his old friend — the pair worked together at Motherwell — but has had his own problems to deal with as he attempts to establish himself at Villa Park.

McLeish’s appointment was as controversial as the appointment of a former Birmingham City manager was always going to be but his cause has not been helped by a run of poor results underpinned by uninspiring performances.

With Charles N’Zogbia catching the eye after being dropped for last week’s meeting with Manchester United for disciplinary reasons and Albrighton scoring his first goal since March, McLeish could justifiably reflect on a job well done.

“It’s massive but this has given us confidence now,” said Albrighton. “When you beat someone in this league you feel like you can take on anyone.

“We’ve got tough games coming up and that’s why this win was so important.”