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Coyle: A Good Night's Work

Posted on: Sat 07 Aug 2010

Owen Coyle was pleased with a good evening's work after Wanderers not only produced a result but also a performance in their final friendly ahead of next Saturday's season opener against Fulham.

The manager was particularly impressed with the first-half display, which set Bolton on their way to a well deserved fifth victory of pre-season.

"I think it was a great game," he said in his post-match press conference.

"Anybody who enjoys football would have looked at the first-half and thought that we were the team that were bang at it.

"Out with the goals, if we had come in nil-nil then I would have been pleased because of the intensity. Our play was slick and inventive and there was a real desire about it, given that we are still a week away from the new season.

"In the grand scheme, a friendly game is only a guide, but overall I was delighted with the whole night's work. We got 21 players on the pitch and that was good in terms of giving them valuable game-time.

"Of course, we will be missing some of the players on internationals but we will be working hard in the week building up to what will surely be a tough opener against a quality side in Fulham."

The Manager also saluted the contribution of Johan Elmander, who made it two goals in as many games with a well-taken opening strike.

"I thought his goals in pre-season have all been exquisite finishing and tonight was no different. He was on the end of a good move, the touch was sublime and indeed so was the finish in the bottom corner.

"He has everything in his locker to be a top player. I believe in him and tonight he showed that class. There's plenty of competition for places in that area and Johan will provide a real threat."