DIEHARD Burnley fans were still reeling today following Owen Coyle’s decision to leave for Bolton.

Many disappointed Claret fans in the town said they believed Coyle was lured away by a larger wage packet and a bigger transfer pot.

And one unhappy fan sprayed the word Judas on a poster of the former manager in Belverdere Road.

Supporters though were already looking ahead to who will fill the Turf Moor hotseat with the job of ensuring Premier League football stays in Burnley.

Bookies favourites including Nelson-born Mike Phelan and Alan Curbishley were touted - and even Clarets legend Stan Ternant earned a mention.

But fans were united in believing that the successful candidate should have a fighting fund to shore up the side’s leaky defence.

Pc Paul Marsden, a town centre bobby, said: “I think it will be a big loss to the club. If he had been supported with funds then maybe he would have stayed.

“I’m not sure who should replace him but the likes of Alan Curbishley and Mark Hughes have been mentioned and they need a man with Premier League experience.”

Phil Akrigg, 61, from Harle Syke, Burnley, said: “He should have been here a lot longer and finished the job that he started.

"I think Stan Ternent should come back and do the job for us.”

Peter Wood, 45, from Read, said: “I think he’s done a very good job but unfortunately in football everything seems to go the highest bidder.

“I can’t understand why he turned down Celtic, where he could have got a lot more money, but has gone to Bolton, who are below us.

“He was talking about loyalty a couple of weeks ago but he hasn’t shown us any.

"You need someone in the mould of Brian Clough to get them out of their current situation.”

Anthony Mitchell, 37, of Brunshaw, Burnley, said: “He has just gone for the money and that’s wrong.

“I would like to see Steve Davis given the chance because he has done so well for the club and he deserves a chance.”

Gordon Mazza, 53, of Kibble Bank, Burnley, added: “I am just disgusted by what he’s done.

"He could have gone to Celtic for a lot more money but he’s ended up at a neighbouring town.

“Whoever they bring in they need to give them some money to improve the defence.”

And Eddie Edmondson, 61, of Park Lane, Burnley, said: “It would have to be someone like Mark Hughes of Mike Phelan now, who has Premier League experience.

“I think that there are two or three that had to leave and Coyle was not up to telling them that.”