The son of former Wanderers boss Owen Coyle has recalled an amusing tale from Jack Wilshere’s first day as a Bolton player.

Wilshere joined the Whites on loan from the Gunners in 2010 and impressed during his time at the UniBol.

The 30-year-old went on to make 197 appearances for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup twice, and was also capped 34 times by England.

He recently called time on his playing career to return to the Emirates as head coach of the Under-18 side.

Owen Coyle Jr, who is currently working alongside his father at Scottish club Queen’s Park, explained how Wilshere won the approval of fan favourite Kevin Davies.

“It was Wilshere’s first day as a Bolton player after my dad signed him on loan from Arsenal in January 2010,” he told Coaches’ Voice.

“I was at the Bolton training ground that day to watch the players. Back then, I was lucky enough to do that very often.

“Davies had flattened Wilshere in a tackle in a small-sided game. ‘If you’re going to play here,’ he said, ‘you’re going to need to toughen up.’

“Wilshere didn’t say anything. There was no response at all. He just got on with training.

“10 minutes later, Davies had the ball. Wilshere came flying in and completely took him out. A clean tackle, but Davies went flying.

“Wilshere stood over Davies. The tables had turned. Then, Wilshere offered Davies his hand to help him up. ‘Yep, that’s good enough for me,’ Davies said.”

Coyle Sr spent two-and-a-half years in the Bolton hot seat after opting to leave his position at North West neighbours Burnley.

“While my dad was Bolton manager they had Rodrigo Moreno, Marcos Alonso, Daniel Sturridge, Gary Cahill, Fabrice Muamba, Johan Elmander and Matt Taylor, as well as Wilshere, Davies and many, many more,” added Coyle Jr.

“Loads of really, really good footballers. Whether I was seeing them after school or during half-term and school holidays, it was a big part of my childhood.

“I was around stars every day. I would sit with the players, who were fantastic with me. Chris Eagles was particularly good with me, taking the time to teach me skills and giving me his boots all the time.”