Burnley chairman Barry Kilby could not hide his disappointment at Owen Coyle opting to move to Lancashire rivals Bolton Wanderers.

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.

Kilby said: “We are all grown men and know how football works but it was quite emotional when Owen left.

”He has a big affection for this club, there is no doubt about that. It has been a fabulous two years.

”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.”

Kilby is now keen to get a new man in place 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.”