Bolton manager Owen Coyle said he understands why he was abused by Burnley fans during his side's 1-0 home victory at the Reebok Stadium.

Coyle, who left Burnley for Bolton earlier this month, was met with chants of "Judas" and unflattering banners from many of the 5,000 travelling fans.

"I can't complain, they wanted to come and vent their anger," said Coyle.

"But if we're going to get biblical, then maybe it should be Moses, because we led them from the wilderness."

Bolton's players were unfazed by the taunts aimed at their new boss, with Chung-Yong Lee scoring the goal that sealed Coyle's first league win, with the added bonus of a first Premier League clean sheet since May.

Coyle, whose new side leapfrogged Burnley to leave them languishing in the relegation zone, even ventured on to the pitch at the final whistle to sympathise with his beaten former players and applaud the Burnley fans, a gesture that largely fell on deaf ears.

It's a start, but that's all it is. We now have a massive game at Liverpool at the weekend Bolton boss Owen Coyle

"I wanted to thank them for the support they gave me when I was the manager," said Coyle. "They were an incredible set of supporters, it's such a special club and [Burnley manager] Brian Laws is in such a privileged position.

"We were always going to come in for a bit of stick. I think it's probably testimony to the job we did that they're disappointed that we've left and they feel aggrieved by it.

"What I would say is that the only person aware of all the facts surrounding the whole situation is myself and I know that I've conducted myself every step of the way in the right manner.

"Ultimately I made a footballing decision, nothing more and nothing less. I came to a wonderful football club that I know well.

606: DEBATE With the likes of Weiss (loved the nutmegs) and Holden coming in as well as reports that suggest we WILL land Jack Wilshere from Arsenal I'd say it's a night to be cheerful Lorcan_1001

"It was a vital three points against a club I had two marvellous years with and a club I will have a big soft spot in my heart for until the day I die."

While victory lifted Bolton to 15th in the table, Burnley's defeat means they have still only taken one point from their 12 away matches this season.

However, Coyle said that both clubs have the quality to avoid relegation, adding: "As much as we won the game it was never easy. We had chances to put the game to bed but Burnley are so spirited, they have hunger, they have desire, they're fluent and have some terrific attacking players.

"They never give up and with the quality they have there's no doubt they'll continue to pick up points.

"To be out of the bottom three is nice, but we're not getting carried away, there's hard work to be done.

"It's a start, but that's all it is. We now have a massive game at Liverpool at the weekend, but I've been buoyed and boosted by the way the players have gone about their work and how receptive they've been."

Coyle confirmed he was aiming to bolster his side before the January transfer window closes, because Bolton "don't have a big squad".

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version