OWEN Coyle says he cannot blame Burnley fans who decide to jeer him at the Reebok tonight, but believes many of them would not be brave enough to say anything to his face.

Coyle faces the Clarets tonight only three weeks after deciding to leave and join Bolton Wanderers, and the Scot fully expects that many of the 5,000 travelling supporters will vent their anger at him for his shock departure.

“I had just over two very special years at a football club that I will always think the world of,” he said.

“Whatever happens, it will never alter what happened in those two magnificent years and the feeling I have for the club and the people there.

“I accept that people are disappointed that I left and I totally understand that.

“I was the one that asked them for that passion and that desire, everything they brought as supporters to help us as a club.

“So I can’t ask for that passion for two years and then say if you feel frustrated that I left that you can’t come and give me stick.”

Coyle, though, has been irked about some of the comments made on messageboards and says most fans who he has spoken to personally have been more civil.

“It’s like anything else, when people are on websites they are behind a computer and type what they want,” he said.

“You don’t even know whether these people go to the games, although I dare say we’ll hear tonight the ones that do!

“But if you look deeper into it, my staff joined me and I never forced them, they came of their own free will and they came because it was the right decision for them as well.

“Sandy Stewart has been everywhere with me but I inherited Steve Davis, Phil Hughes and Cliff Roberts.

“Cliff had been at Burnley for 10 or 12 years and Steve had been captain, and they felt it was the right thing for them.

“That’s what I’m trying to get over to people. It was just a footballing decision, nothing more, nothing less.

"But I’m pretty sure in time when people reflect on the two years we had they’ll realise it was such an important part in Burnley’s history.

“Anyone I’ve met in the street, yes they’ve been disappointed, but I think they’ve recognised the job we did.

“It’s easy to get in a crowd or sit behind a computer, but when you speak face to face that’s when you’re judged on your mettle.”

Coyle lost twice to Brian Laws’ Sheffield Wednesday last season but said: “I’d have taken anybody beating us twice last season to get to the Premier League.

“I spoke to Brian after he got the job and wished him well, and said if I could help in any way then I’d be only too willing.

“Of course the Burnley players will be wanting to show me the ability, togetherness and desire that they have. Will it be an emotional night? Absolutely.

“But my focus will be on getting three points for Bolton Wanderers.”