New boy Blake shocked by Wanderers call (From Leigh Journal)

New boy Blake shocked by Wanderers call

10:10am Saturday 3rd July 2010 in

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ROBBIE Blake thought he was dreaming when Owen Coyle offered him the chance to join Wanderers.

The first the former Burnley striker knew about Coyle’s interest was when his old boss phoned him late on Monday night.

Blake was convinced his Premier League days were behind him after being relegated with the Clarets last season. And the 34-year-old, who had been linked with SPL club Hearts, admitted he was shocked to be back in the big time after signing for Bolton this week on a free transfer.

“The first I knew about it was 10 o’clock on Monday night,” said Blake. “I had a phone call from the gaffer saying to come in and try and get something sorted.

“I actually thought I was still asleep. It’s a dream move for me and I can’t wait to get started.

“It (talk of a move to Hearts) was just speculation and, if I’m perfectly honest, I didn’t have much on.

“I had a contract with Burnley but, because of the situation with the manager, I didn’t think I was going to be playing much, so I thought it was worth taking the risk and holding out for something better, and luckily that has happened.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me. I know the manager has got faith in me that I can do it in this division and, hopefully, I can play my part.”

Blake was an influential figure in Burnley’s return to the top-flight after 33 years under Coyle, but found himself out of favour under the Scot’s replacement, Brian Laws, as the Turf Moor men were relegated.

The former Bradford, Nottingham Forest and Leeds forward is keen to repay the faith the Wanderers boss has shown in him – even if that’s from the substitute’s bench.

“If the gaffer wants me to come off the bench and change games I will do that,” said Blake, who has joined on a one-year deal with an option for an extra 12 months. “I see that as a compliment not a negative.

“Everybody has got to fight for a place and I don’t expect to walk straight into the team. I want to fight and earn my place and, if I can do that, I can stay in the team.”

And Blake is delighted to be reunited with Coyle once again. He said: “He’s the best manager I’ve ever had and brought the best out of me.

“It’s fantastic to be given the opportunity and, hopefully, I won’t let him down and will do a good job.

“We’ve got a good set of players here. There’s a lot of quality and, with the gaffer we’ve got, I’m sure we can climb up the league.”