Coyle praises fans on ´special´ day

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle praised fans of his club and Blackburn Rovers for their united support for Fabrice Muamba.

Saturday’s match was the first Bolton have taken part in since Muamba’s cardiac arrest last Saturday, and there was an emotional tribute to the midfielder before a minute’s applause before the kick off.

Coyle said the three points ‘paled into insignificance’ when compared to Muamba’s health.

“I think we all knew it was going to be a very emotionally charged day with the video of Fabrice before the game and the minute’s applause,” he told reporters.

“As much as you need to play the game I think all our thoughts were still with Fabrice and his recovery. Each day he gets a little bit better but he’s still got a long way to go, which is why he’s still in intensive care.

“Every one of the players and staff conducted themselves in a tremendous manner, as did not only the Bolton Wanderers supporters but also the Blackburn supporters.

“I felt, given it was a local derby and sometimes things can be said in the heat of the moment, the conduct of the whole stadium today was exemplary.”

Coyle said he thought his team deserved the victory and reserved praise for David Wheater.

“David Wheater was part of the England set up from a very young age and I’ve told him he needs to aspire to get back to that level because we know he’s capable of it. We know how good he is, he’s scored in the cups and it was time he started to weigh-in in the league.

“As difficult as the circumstances have been with Fabrice, that’s been the real positive that’s come

Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean believes that his team were not their ‘usual selves’.

The Scot was disappointed with his team’s performance but acknowledged that Bolton were the better team overall.

“I’m disappointed because we had a very decent shout for a penalty turned down at 0-0,” he told reporters.

“But, having said that, Bolton were better in the first half and i thought they were quicker.

“They got to the second balls better and dictated play. I felt they were much better than us today.

“Having said that, when we got the goal and we were 2-1 we were back in the game and pushing for a draw.”

Kean also revealed he tried to keep his players focused despite the atmosphere surrounding the game.

“We wish Fabrice all the best we can and we would have supported the club if they wanted to postpone the game, but I was trying to say to the lads ‘Just play the match, don’t play the occasion’,” he said.

“The Bolton players played with a spring in their step and when they got their noses in front it was difficult.”