CONTROVERSIAL former Burnley manager Owen Coyle has been tipped for a return – by fans!

The Scot, who is out of work after being sacked by Bolton Wanderers last week, was the shock runaway winner of our online poll, which gave supporters the opportunity to name the man they want to see as Eddie Howe’s successor.

There was a surprising mix when it came to the fans’ choice, with no mention of former Claret Micky Mellon, who steered Fleetwood Town to promotion to the Football League for the first time in the club’s history.

Many supporters voiced their discontent at the idea of Coyle coming back to the club he quit in January 2010.

But when it came to the vote the manager who took Burnley into the Premier League came out on top.

Former midfielder Graham Alexander finished in second place, even though it would be his first managerial job.

Fans would also welcome a return for Steve Davis, the Crewe manager, or former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy who is understood to be the frontrunner for the post.

Your votes:

  • Owen Coyle: 50%
  • Graham Alexander: 16.6%
  • Mick McCarthy: 8.3%