Coyle snubs Celtic for a crack at the Prems big boys

by Karl Walderman. Published Tue 26 May 2009 09:53, Last updated: 2009-05-26

Burnley manager Owen Coyle has snubbed the vacent Celtic post for a shot at the Premier League's elite.

After winning the Wembley play-off final with a 1-0 win over Sheffield United, the 42-year-old was linked to the Parkhead role following Gordon Strachan's resignation on Monday.

But despite spending the majority of his playing career in Scotland, Coyle has pledged his near future to the Lancashire club who are back in the top flight after 33 years.

A first-half strike from Wade Elliott settled the final and marked the club's 50th anniversary of their last, League championship triumph in 1959.

Coyle said: "Every player was magnificent and it was a great game to watch, real end to end stuff.

"We may not have the quantity of other clubs but I believe we have quality.

"I'm immensely proud and delighted for everyone in the town.

"It is very flattering to be linked to the Celtic job but I'm with Burnley and it would be the wrong time to leave.

"The Premier League has some of the best players and managers in the world, so I'll concentrate on my job here and long may that continue."