Elmander exits Reebok, says Coyle

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle admits his club is resigned to losing Johan Elmander to Galatasaray this summer.

The Turkish club have announced on their website that an agreement has been reached and Coyle said there is nothing he can do to stop bigger teams raiding the Reebok Stadium club.

But he is confident that, even if Sunday’s final game of the season at home to Manchester City is to be 10-goal man Elmander’s last, the club can go on to better things.

“Galatasaray have announced on their website that they have agreed something with Johan Elmander,” Coyle said.

“I have spoken with Johan and there is nothing signed – and that is not to say there will not be anything signed in the next couple of weeks.”

“If indeed it does come about, then I wish Johan well because he has worked ever so hard each and every day in training.”

“When he has worn the shirt he has given everything that he has got and has played in a number of positions.”

“Players come and go as they do every year, but you have to be forward thinking and ensure you have targets in place, work out who can come in and make a smooth transition and blend into the squad.”

“People asked how we would improve when Jack Wilshere left to go back to Arsenal last year.”

“But we have done and, as a manager, you have always got to be looking forward.”

The clash with big-spending Manchester City, who have already won the FA Cup and claimed a Champions League qualification spot, is not a miss-match according to Coyle.

“We would all love to have that finance at the disposal and select players to improve your team, but when you do have then you have to go and deliver.”

“People will look and ask is it a mismatch with them having spent over 300 million pounds, but my answer would be ‘no’.”

“When the players cross that white line it is 11 versus 11 and I know that my players are more than capable of winning.”

“We have been in terrific form at home this season and we want that to continue. I want us to finish in style because it has been a great season.”

“There have been disappointments along the way, but that comes with the territory and if anybody goes into the start of a season thinking that it is going to be all smooth then they are sadly mistaken, particularly at this level.”

“We have improved no end and to finish on a high then we will need to play at our very best.”

Bolton will be missing defender Sam Ricketts (calf) plus midfielders Stuart Holden and Sean Davis (both knee).