Coyle relishes return to dugout

Ross County manager Owen Coyle is relishing his return to the dugout today when the Staggies make the Premiership trip to Kilmarnock.

Former St Johnstone, Burnley and Bolton Wanderers manager Coyle joined the Staggies on a two-year deal on Thursday, replacing Jim Mcintyre who was sacked earlier in the week.

Coyle has enjoyed a break from the game since leaving Blackburn Rovers in February but has craved a return to management and, having taken his first sessions with his new squad this week, he is eager to return to action in Ayrshire today.

Coyle said: “There’s no point saying I’ll sit in the stand and watch the game. I’m here. Let’s get going and try to turn those defeats into victories and kick on.

“I’m lucky God gave me a talent that I can be involved and I’m very thankful for that.

“There’s nothing better than being on the grass and I get to implement ideas and put a smile on the players’ faces. That’s important. Playing days are the most important of your life.

“If a player is going out and playing every week at a club like Ross County, I think that’s a wonderful thing.

“The onus is on the players to show what they’ve got and stay in the team.”

County are targeting their first victory since the opening day of the season at Rugby Park and are only a point ahead of their opponents who are bottom of the table.

Coyle is determined to put a smile back on the faces of the Staggies’ supporters and he added: “People like to think 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 and a lot of the big clubs don’t have that, I would suggest. There’s a lot to be excited about.

“We have to find a way to win games again but that’s why we love the game and the challenges it brings. The sooner we start to do that the better.

“There’s been some great times at Ross County over the years and everybody wants that winning feeling in football. We all set out with the same aims.”

Owen Coyle: looking for players to show him they deserve their place.