Owen Columba Coyle (born July 14, 1966 in Paisley) is a professional football player and manager. Despite being born in Scotland he was never picked by that country, so he played for the Republic of Ireland internationally, earning one cap. He is currently player-manager of St Johnstone in the Scottish Football League First Division.
A prolific striker, Coyle began his senior career with Dumbarton in 1985, where he played alongside his brothers Joe and Tommy. In 1988 he joined Clydebank, then in March 1990 a £175,000 transfer took him to Airdrieonians. This move was instantly successful, Coyle scoring a hat-trick on his debut and going on to finish as the Scottish League’s top scorer for 1989-90. Over the next two seasons his goals helped Airdrie to promotion, a Scottish Cup final appearance, and European football. In the summer of 1993, Bolton Wanderers paid £250,000 to sign Coyle, and his two year spell in England included promotion and a brief chance to play in the Premiership. However, in October 1995, a £400,000 transfer fee took him to Dundee United, where he was once again part of a promotion-winning side.
Coyle’s next moves were to Motherwell in January 1997 and then on to Dunfermline Athletic in March 1999. After losing his place in the Dunfermline team, he went on loan to Ross County prior to rejoining Airdrie in 2001. When they went into liquidation in 2002, Coyle joined Falkirk, being promoted to co-player-manager alongside John Hughes in 2003. After leaving this post he returned to Dundee United, primarily in a coaching capacity but also registering as a player. A lack of first team opportunities, however, led to him being loaned out to Airdrieonians’ successors, Airdrie United, and this move was subsequently put on a permanent basis.
In April 2005, Owen Coyle was named as the new manager of St Johnstone. He is also registered as a player, although his appearances at first team level are now extremely sporadic. Owen Coyle was awarded Manager of the Month for the Scottish First Division in March 2006 for his teams performance. This is the first time he has been awarded this accolade.
In November Coyle led St Johnstone to their first win over Rangers at Ibrox in 35 Years.
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