My dad's a Scottish football cult hero who turned down Celtic job now I'm youngest British coach to get Uefa Pro Licence
He was a fan favourite at several Scottish clubs
RISING STAR My dad's a Scottish football cult hero who turned down Celtic job now I'm youngest British coach to get Uefa Pro Licence
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HIS dad is one of Scottish football's most popular cult heroes.
Now he is making his own way in the football world as a coach - and has reached a mega milestone before anyone else.
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Owen Coyle during his spell as Queen's Park boss
Credit: PA
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His son (second from left) is now following in his footsteps
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
Owen Coyle was a fan favourite at Dumbarton, Clydebank and Aidrieonians before making his mark in the top flight with Dundee United and Motherwell.
Coyle also earned cult hero status at Bolton Wanderers and after hanging up his boots he became a manager, taking charge of Bolton after successful stints at St Johnstone and Burnley.
The Republic of Ireland cap famously turned down his boyhood club Celtic in 2009 - because the Hoops came calling on the same day his Burnley side clinched promotion to the Premier League.
Coyle has since gone on to manage elsewhere in England, the USA and in Scotland - but is currently coaching in India with Chennaiyin.
His son, also called Owen, has just earned his Uefa Pro Licence - the highest level of coaching qualifications - at the age of 28.
And he's been told that makes him the youngest person in Britain to hold those badges.
He posted a picture of himself with his certificate on his Instagram account.
And he said: "Delighted to share that I've officially graduated with my UEFA Pro Licence — the highest coaching diploma in football — after two challenging and rewarding years.
"I began my coaching journey at 16, and 12 years on, I'm proud to have reached this milestone at 28. I'm told it makes me the youngest British coach to achieve the licence — something I'm grateful for and don't take lightly.
"Thank you to the Scottish FA for their support throughout, to my peers for the insight and good company along the way, and to my family, friends, and colleagues who've backed me since day one.
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"Still plenty to learn — but a positive step forward."
Coyle Jr is currently employed at Nottingham Forest as player pathway and loans manager.
That's following a recent promotion from assistant player pathway and loans manager, a role he combined with working as one of the development coaches at the club.
Coyle Jr joined Forest as a scout in 2023 after a spell working under his dad at Queen's Park as the club's B team manager, in which he also assisted his father with the senior team.
Prior to that, he was the manager of the England Amputee national team and also worked as a youth coach at Oldham Athletic and a disability-inclusive coach at Blackpool.
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Owen Coyle Jr on the training field with Queen's Park
Credit: Willie Vass
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