Coyle Upbeat Despite Defeat

Posted: Wednesday 28th July 2010

Tags: Bolton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic, Owen Coyle

Owen Coyle admitted his Bolton side were below par in their 3-0 defeat to Oldham Athletic, but backed them to bounce back.

Latics youngster Tom Eaves netted a hat-trick at Boundary Park, giving the League One side a shock victory over their Premier League counterparts.

Coyle reserved praise for Paul Dickov's side, but believes his players must improve their game ahead of the new season.

"It was a typical pre-season game and all credit to Oldham because they were terrific," Coyle told the club's official website.

"On our side, I have trained them really hard to last all the way through the season, not just through a midweek friendly at Oldham.

"It's stepping up in terms of fitness but we accept that the passing and movement has to better than today. The players recognise that - they are an honest bunch and they know that they have been below par.

"Coming back off our tour to America, I always expected it would take a week to ten days to get back into our stride, but we go there because it will help us through the season.

"I have no doubt that the lads will bounce back. We showed that last season and we will show that again."

Wanderers return to action on Saturday when they head up to Scotland to face Falkirk.