Coyle: I'm planning for future at Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Coyle: I'm planning for future at Burnley

9:48am Tuesday 17th November 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(4)

OWEN Coyle admits he won’t rush all of Burnley’s young guns as he strikes a balance between the club’s short and long-term targets.

Resuming their stunning start to the Premier League season after the current international break, the Clarets will look to improve on 10th position when they host Aston Villa at Turf Moor on Saturday.

The club’s top-flight success has, so far, been built around a nucleus of players that guided Burnley to promotion from the Championship last term, with big-money signings Steven Fletcher and Andre Bikey - along with Tyrone Mears - providing added strength.

Coyle’s other summer signings such as Richard Eckersley, 20, Brian Easton, 21, and David Edgar, 22, are still waiting to make their Premier League debuts for the Clarets.

But the Burnley manager insists their chance to shine will come as they continue to hone their skills under the Turf Moor’s coaching staff.

“For me, it’s trying to develop the club and make sure it works well for years to come,” said Coyle “Players like Richard Eckersley and Brian Easton - you don’t spend £300,000 on these boys and expect them to be ready-made for the Premier League.

“Tyrone Mears was different because he’d had experience of the division before. But the younger ones will continue to evolve and get better.

“I wouldn’t have brought those players into the football club if I didn’t think there was scope for development.

“I’ve got very good staff working with me and we feel that, whether younger or older, we can add something to their game and help each and every player.

“This isn’t the Owen Coyle show - it’s very much a collective effort.

“Our strength is in our group, and my staff come under that umbrella.

“We work collectively for the betterment of the football club, and we’re always trying to take it on again.”

While he keeps one eye on the future, Coyle’s number one aim is to preserve Burnley’s Premier League status.

And as he prepares for this weekend’s clash against Champions League-chasing Villa, he’s delighted with the progress his side have made.

“At the start of the season you’d have snapped your hand off for where we are at the moment,” said the Clarets boss.

“We had a team that was good enough but added one or two to it, with Steven Fletcher our record signing.

“We had to work hard to make sure we bring the right type of people in to the football club.”