Owen Coyle Jr on Queen's Park spell and coaching badges

That is what Owen Coyle Jr, the son of the former Wanderers player and manager, told The Bolton News nearly 12 months ago.

Since then, the 26-year-old has been selected to study for his UEFA Pro Licence with the Scottish FA.

It is a big achievement for someone of his age, with only 20 places available from more than 130 applicants.

Coyle Jr is now learning alongside a range of ex-international players and current managers as he aims to keep progressing in the game.

“I’m delighted,” he said. “It’s the final step in terms of the coaching qualifications and will help me to keep developing in my career.

“I am proud and privileged to be invited, particularly at my age. I think I am one of the youngest to go through the course and will hopefully be one of the youngest to obtain that qualification in two years.

“Massive thanks to the Scottish FA for inviting me onto the course and the first block we did in Edinburgh last week was a really enjoyable one.

“It was great to meet everyone, some familiar faces and some new. It’s good to build new relationships which will stand us in good stead over the next two years.”

Coyle Jr worked alongside his dad at Queen's Park last season (Image: PA)

Coyle Jr had a spell at Queen’s Park last season, initially working with the club’s young prospects before being promoted to a role in the first team alongside his dad.

The club finished third in the Scottish Championship, missing out on promotion to the top flight after losing against Patrick Thistle in the play-offs.

“There were loads of positives and challenging moments throughout the season,” he added. “I initially went in as head coach of the B Team and was fast-tracked to be with the first team.

“It’s something I felt I was ready for and was fortunate to be given the opportunity. It was a successful season for the club and I like to think I played a very small part in that.

“I learned loads from my dad, Sandy (Stewart), Tommy McIntyre and the other staff. You are always learning and picking things up that you like.

“There are other bits you think are maybe not for me. But ultimately being around that day-to-day and seeing the progress, it was really positive to be involved in.”

Coyle Jr is open to again working with his dad, who has received several offers since his Queen’s Park exit, if the right opportunity comes along.

But he is also prepared to go in a different direction should the right opportunity present itself.

“I have obviously learned loads from him and will continue to learn from him, whether it’s in the working environment or in our personal lives where we spent a lot of time together,” he explained.

Craddock took charge of Wanderers' B Team last season (Image: Harry McGuire)

“Whatever opportunity presents itself for him, of course there will be a level of intrigue from myself about if I can join back up with him and whether it would be the right opportunity for me.

“I eventually want to create my own name in the game, which can be difficult because we have the exact same name! But I will eventually go my own way.

“Hopefully, this season at Queen’s Park shows that I can add a lot of value through my own experiences and knowledge.”

Coyle Jr and his dad still keep an eye on the current Wanderers side and hope they can get back to the Championship, whether it is next season or beyond.

“We are always watching the club closely,” he stated. “One of my good friends is the head coach of the B Team, Matt Craddock. It is great to see how well he is doing.

“I must say, he is one of the best coaches I have worked with and one of the best guys I have come across. He is another young coach I am sure will go on to do some tremendous things in the game.

“I get to hear about all the positive things that are happening and it has been another brilliant season.

“Obviously, falling short in the play-offs was disappointing but they have got an excellent manager, fantastic backroom staff and some excellent senior figures at the club.

“It is only going to go from strength-to-strength and whether it is this season or beyond when the club eventually gets back to the Championship, it is going to be an exciting journey to follow.

“I’m based in Blackburn now so it’s not too far away to keep an eye on them and hopefully get to a few games.”