OWEN Coyle will be public enemy number one at Turf Moor tonight as the Scot again defended his decision to quit Burnley earlier this year.

All eyes will be on the 44-year-old when he leads his Bolton side out against the Clarets in the third round of the Carling Cup.

Die-hard Burnley fans accused Coyle of betraying the club following his defection to the Reebok Stadium in January, a move he made after claiming Wanderers were far better equipped to stay in the Premier League.

He still admits that leaving Burnley was a personal wrench at the time, just eight months after steering the club to Championship play-off glory at Wembley Stadium.

And despite an expected outpouring of vitriol towards Coyle tonight from sections of Clarets supporters, he insists the criticism won’t tarnish his achievements at Turf Moor.

“If some people choose not to forgive then that’s up to them. I can understand that emotions run high in football,” said Coyle.

“Whatever slant people put on it is up to them. I know what we achieved at that football club.

“Ultimately, it’s up to them to make their own opinions. Whatever I say won’t alter that. People will have their own agendas and perceptions. I’m the only person who made the decision.

“I consulted my staff and came to the decision. A lot of people there probably never dreamed of being in the Premier League but we achieved it. The cups throw up these ironies.”

He added: “I’m not being evasive, but I’ve answered all those questions before.

“They’re not necessarily right or wrong, all they are is decisions and it’s how you deal with it in the aftermath of that. That’s what I’ve done.

“All I would say is that any club I’ve been at as a manager, I’ve put my heart and soul into every minute of the job as I do now at Bolton Wanderers to be the best I can be for that football club, and I don’t think anybody could take issue with that.

“I’ve given it everything I could and the proof is in the pudding, it’s there for everybody to see.”

While tonight’s focus of attention falls squarely on Coyle, the Trotters boss knows his side will expect an equally rough ride on the pitch with a last 16 place up for grabs.

He said: “I thought straight away, as we all did, what a tough draw it was.

“I know the history and tradition of Burnley's cup exploits – they’re a wonderful club with many great cup nights.

“There is no doubt it’s as tough a draw as we could have had. Football throws up these games.”