Charlton v Burnley

ALAN PARDEW'S squad host Burnley this Saturday and new Clarets boss Owen Coyle could be forgiven for thinking that fate could have been kinder on his English managerial debut.

The 41-year-old quit Scottish Division 1 club St Johnstone a week ago to take the reins at Turf Moor.

He started with a goalless draw at home to Stoke last Saturday, barely 24 hours after his arrival, followed by Tuesday’s visit to leaders Watford before the trip to The Valley.

However Coyle, a former striker with Bolton Wanderers, remains unfazed.

The man whose credentials were endorsed by Scotland team manager Alex McLeish, said: "I’m excited about the talent at Burnley and have no regrets about coming here after turning down offers from Premier League clubs to stay in Scotland."

He added: "I want the players to be creative in the final third of the field."

Striker Andy Gray is in no doubt that Burnley have picked the right man.

He said: "He’s one of the best young managers in Scotland. You could see within minutes of arriving how positive he is about everything."