OWEN Coyle admits he is humbled at being appointed Burnley's new manager.

The 41-year-old Scot revealed it was a real honour' at being chosen as the man to succeed Steve Cotterill in the Turf Moor hot-seat.

Coyle has been handed a three-and-a-half year contract and, as he prepares to take charge of his first game at home to Stoke City tomorrow, the former St Johnstone boss said he will do his utmost to bring the good times back to the Clarets.

"I'm very privileged to be the Burnley manager and I feel quite humble to get the opportunity to manage a club of this magnitude," said Coyle.

"I know what a real honour it is to get the chance to manage this football club. My message to the fans would be come and support us and give us all your encouragment.

"Players respond to support and encouragement and we will be trying to give every effort to go and win football games for you.

"I am delighted to take this opportunity. I just can't wait to get going now."

Coyle is widely regarded as one of the best up-and-coming managers in Britain after steering St Johnstone to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and CIS Cup last season.

He was set to take charge of the Saints for their Scottish Challenge Cup final against Dunfermline on Sunday, but he said that once the Clarets came calling, his decision to move to East Lancashire was a no-brainer'.

Coyle added: "Leaving St Johstone was a wrench because of everything I have done at the football club.

"But as soon as Burnley came on the scene, it was a no-brainer for me and the sooner I could get down here and get going, the better.

"In the end, it was just too good an opportunity to turn down and there was no chance of that happening.

"They said they would never stand in my way and this opportunity, and the passion Burnley generates means I am over the moon."

Former Bolton striker Coyle tasted life in the Premier League during his playing days with Wanderers in the 1990s.

Reaching English football's top flight with Burnley is among his ambitions at Turf Moor, although he admits the Clarets cannot reach it without hard work.

"I played at the highest level at Bolton," Coyle said."We are only one step away from the highest level - the Premier League - and that's where we want to be at.

"I'm not going to make big claims saying we are going to be doing this or that.

"What I will ensure everybody is that we leave no stone unturned to try and deliver that kind of success to Burnley.

"I have a real burning desire and enthusiasm and a passion for winning football games."

He added: "I know from my time at Bolton many moons ago that the fans here are passionate and when you walk here, you realise that this is a magnificent football club - a home of football.

"It's a magnificent setting and now the job is on take the club on.

"I like to think I have a knowledge of football and my teams have always prided themselves on having a real spirit about them.

"It is important that the fans are a part of that too because the players are representing them and the fans must see that they are giving every ounce of effort they have to achieve results."