Roy’s got faith hope & clarity
ROSS COUNTY OWEN FEELS AT HOME That’s why I’m happy to join County says new boss Coyle
OWEN COYLE grew up in Glasgow’s Gorbals, one of nine children from a proud, loving family where every penny was prisoner.
He went on to work at clubs where the zeros on the balance sheets and squad budgets could shame the economies of small nation states.
Some will question just what a manager of his recent stock and stature is thinking of in giving up English football’s vast wealth for the relative bread and butter fare of Scottish football.
For those who really know the new Ross County manager, sacked by Blackburn in February, there will be far less surprise.
What really matters most at a football club for him are principles and the support of a dedicated chairman.
Coyle was 33 when he met Roy MacGregor after joining County on loan from Dunfermline. It was a short stint that stuck with him. A committed Christian and teetotaller himself, the values MacGregor put into business and football from his personal life chime comfortably.
Coyle said: “Given the experiences I’ve had in the game, chemistry within a club is absolutely more important to me than the size of club.
“I’m from the Gorbals, one of nine from a working-class family. There’s no ego here, no, ‘I’ve been here and I’ve been there’ – far from it. This is a brilliant club and a brilliant opportunity.
“It wasn’t just about coming back to Scotland. What was important for me, given the experiences I’ve had, is I found the right person to work with as regards an owner or chairman.
“It had to be someone who shared the same vision, the same passion and enthusiasm that I have. I love the game. I’m passionate about what I do and I want to see that smile on the players’ faces. I was absolutely flattered when the chairman phoned me.
“I’ve been very lucky in my career as a player and manager and when I work with the same sort of people as Roy I can achieve success. Since I’ve had a couple of experiences without that kind of relationship I recognised the importance.
“When the chairman came on, knowing him as I did through the years, we chatted and I got a good feeling for it.
“When I’ve got that feeling and I know there’s somebody special I’m working with, that can only bring success at a club.
“The chairman pours his heart and soul into it because he loves the club as do the community.
“I always believe football should be an extension of family and we’ve got that here. But we want to keep getting better at it. We know we have to win games and keep raising it.
“People say Ross County aren’t the biggest club in the world but what they do have is principles.
“I like to think they have that in abundance where a lot of the big clubs don’t. There’s a lot to be excited about.”
Coyle is joined at the struggling Premiership club by trusty past assistant manager Sandy Stewart and former Scotland and Bolton striker John McGinlay who will head up recruitment.
And the 51-year-old is confident he will be backed financially by his chairman in improving the squad left behind by sacked duo Jim McIntyre and Billy Dodds.
Coyle said: “We had the chat, if someone became available, were we in the market to get that type of player?
“That’s not saying you’ll get everything you want – Roy’s a successful businessman after all – but if he thinks it fits the dynamic of Ross County of course he is going to help you.
“That was an important chat to have. I’m not coming here to pass time. I’m coming here to win games and try to improve the football club.”