Nigel Reo Coker on Exit - “I didn’t know who was in charge.."

[Iago]

Nigel Reo-Coker says Owen Coyle has rekindled his enthusiasm for the game after a turbulent spell at Aston Villa ended in what he calls a “disappointing mess”.

The 27-year-old is rebuilding his reputation at Bolton, where he has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season.

And the tenacious midfielder stresses there have been no problems after his infamous bust-up with old boss Martin O’Neill at Villa in September 2009.

Mature Reo-Coker is even tipping his old nemesis O’Neill to succeed in his new gig at Sunderland - “I am sure he will get them going and motivated” - but the hurt over his exit from Villa Park on a Bosman last summer remains.

He originally intended to re-negotiate terms after impressing on the run-in last term, when Gerard Houllier’s regime was calling the shots at Villa.

But when the Frenchman left, Reo-Coker's future was plunged into doubt.

Houllier's successor Alex McLeish eventually opted not to keep the former England Under-21 international.

Sadly, Reo-Coker only this found out when his name was listed along with the club’s other released players on Villa's website.

“I am very disappointed at the way the whole situation was handled,” he reflected, ahead of Bolton’s home game with Villa on Saturday.

“From a professional perspective, I thought it could have been handled better. It was a bit of a mess about what could have been done and what couldn’t have been done.

“I didn’t know who was in charge as one person said one thing and another person said another.”

Despite Wanderers’ plight in 19th spot after a disappointing start, Reo-Coker’s displays have attracted good reviews.

Discuss.

[gervilla]

How could we keep him what with all the Italian clubs looking to sign him up. Internationalize Boltinio were just too big a proposition to turn down for Nige.

[hawkeye]

A sad reflection on the way the club is being run

[bertlambshank]

Mature Reo-Coker.That's funny.

[The Left Side]

I seem to remember his agent was touting him around quite a bit, if he really wanted to stay he should have come out and said it.

[villan from luton]

NRC could have signed a new contract when Houllier was well, but all these top foreign clubs were after him. Sorry, but his wanting to stay dont wash with me, he was after the best deal he could get and ended up at Bolton.

[pauliewalnuts]

I seem to remember his agent was touting him around quite a bit, if he really wanted to stay he should have come out and said it.

That's what agents are supposed to do.

[Handsworth Wood Villa]

Unlucky Nige.

[hawkeye]

NRC was one of our most consistant performers last season and we could really do with him in the team now. Dont get me wrong he is far from the complete footballer but he does a job that needs doing and we dont have any one in the squad that does what he can do, close space and win the ball.

[timeoutbigbar]

Hes never on more at Bolton than we offered him here.

[villan from luton]

hawkeye, I do not disagree, but the fact is he showed no signs of resigning and no need for this nonsense now to make him look better. His agent was spouting nonsense for months about top clubs and champions league football, yet he ends up at Bolton. He may not be on more at Bolton, but the fact he was messing around didnt help him one bit

[JUAN PABLO]

A very average player who could easily start in every game with us  now, which shows how far we have fell . 

[dave.woodhall]

A sad reflection on the way the club is being run

Because we gave a player a free? 

[JUAN PABLO]

A sad reflection on the way the club is being run

Because we gave a player a free? 

are we still paying his wages , wouldnt suprise me ...

[dave.woodhall]

A sad reflection on the way the club is being run

Because we gave a player a free? 

are we still paying his wages , wouldnt suprise me ...

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