OWEN Coyle admits it has been ‘a privilege’ to manage Burnley as he fast approaches his first year anniversary at Turf Moor.

The 42-year-old Scot has enjoyed an excellent opening 12 months in the Clarets hot-seat, as his side currently sit fourth in the Championship ahead of today’s clash against league leaders Wolves.

Replacing former Burnley boss Steve Cotterill - who left the East Lancashire club exactly a year ago today - Coyle has served to enhance his reputation as one of Britain’s most promising up-and-coming young managers.

In the process of steering the Clarets into early play-off contenders this season, the former Bolton and Republic of Ireland striker has seen his side lose just one of their last 15 league and cup matches, scooping September’s manager of the month award along the way.

The results have been combined with enterprising football, Coyle’s brand of attacking play earning rave reviews in some quarters.

The Burnley chief insists is has been ‘an honour’ to lead the club over the past 12 months, but he admits there is still work to be done to fufil his ambitions.

“I was aware of the football club from my time at Bolton,” he said. “But since coming in here and embracing the history and tradition, it’s just a fantastic club, there’s no doubt about it.

“It’s important that any player who comes into the club realises that and takes it on, because to be involved with this football club, for me, is a privilege.

“I’m very honoured to be the manager, and I want players to feel that when they come here.

“The last year has certainly flown, but that’s nature of the Championship with Saturday-Tuesday games most weeks.”

Coyle acknowledges that Burnley are not the richest or best-supported club in the Championship.

But while other league rivals may hold the upper hand in terms of transfer resources, Coyle believes his Clarets vision can be carried out.

“We’re a work-in-progress of the plan and vision I had for the club when I came into the club, in terms of how I’d like to see it progress in the next couple of years,” he said.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do on that front but that takes time to take it on.

“But it’s a fantastic football club and I’m loving being a part of what we’re trying to do.”

However, at this stage of the season, Coyle is refusing to talk up Burnley’s chances of promotion.

There is the possibility that the Clarets could follow in the footsteps of unfashionable Stoke City and Hull City and reach unchartered Premier League territory.

But Coyle said: “I don’t mention league tables. We go from game to game at this moment trying to win as many matches as we can, because we know the nature of this Championship can change very quickly.

“We wouldn’t be having this conversation after the first two weeks of the season, so we know how quickly it can change.

“We know that just round the corner if you take your foot off the gas you get punished for it, so we remain very grounded.

“I would hope the players are very humble and just looking to do their best.”