Coyle's exit puts strain on relationship between rivals

Coyle has left the club after leading them into the top flight for the first time in 33 years and will be unveiled at the Reebok Stadium once compensation has been agreed.

Burnley are already prepared for life after the Glasgow-born boss, with first-team coach Steve Davis being placed in charge as caretaker manager for the Barclays Premier League match against Stoke on Saturday.

Coyle came in on Tuesday and said goodbye to the staff at Burnley and Kilby could not hide his disappointment at his decision to move to their Lancashire rivals.

Burnley travel to Bolton on January 26 with relationships strained between the clubs.

Kilby said: "I don't think we are best of pals at the moment. It was an unwelcome approach.

"Owen felt Bolton do have a larger player budget than we have and it was his best way of remaining a Premiership manager, working with a budget of that size.

"It's been a trauma for the football club. None of us wanted Owen to go. It was a shock when all this broke. We are all grown men and know how football works but it was quite emotional when Owen left.

"I fully expected when he did move it would be upwards, not sideways to a club we are fighting a relegation scrap with. We were surprised.

"But I have been in football long enough to know these things happen and I don't think Owen took this decision lightly.

"It was with regret that he went and he did say to me there was only Celtic or Bolton he would leave Burnley for. But it has come at a bad time, that is for sure."

Davis will take the reins against Stoke with the help of goalkeeping coach Phil Hughes.

Kilby confirmed: "The backroom staff will take the team for Saturday and Steve will be in charge."

Kilby is now keen to find a replacement for Coyle sooner rather than later.

He added: "We have got to get going. Let's put this behind us and make sure we stay in this Premier League.

"We have to see who is out there. We need to get this one sorted out as soon as we can."