Owen Coyle wants Fabrice Muamba to attend crucial Bolton showdown against Tottenham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bolton manager Owen Coyle feels tomorrow's Premier League home game against Tottenham could present a "wonderful opportunity" for Fabrice Muamba to thank fans and players from both clubs for their support following his cardiac arrest last month – if he feels up to it.
Since he collapsed on the pitch during the FA Cup tie against Spurs at White Hart Lane on 17 March and his heart stopped beating for 78 minutes, Muamba has made a remarkable recovery and was discharged from hospital two weeks ago.
On Saturday, the 24-year-old former England Under-21 midfielder took to his Twitter account for the first time since the incident, posting a message to thank people for their "prayers, love and support" and wishing his team-mates well ahead of their match at Sunderland that afternoon, which the relegation-threatened side drew 2-2.
Given the opposition, Coyle would be delighted to see Muamba come along to watch from the stands at the Reebok Stadium – although he has stressed that the decision ultimately lies with the player, his family and his doctors.
"We have always said that before the end of the season we would love it if Fabrice was fit and available to come to a game," Coyle said. "We have to remember after everything he has been through, it has to be the right thing for him, his family and the medical team.
"But it is an open invitation, and if Fabrice is fit and well for that then I think the game against Tottenham would be a great opportunity, because of the events that took place at White Hart Lane.
"It would give a chance for everybody to see how well he is doing and from his end, it would also give him a chance to thank both sets of fans, who were magnificent on the night, and the Tottenham players because the concern they showed for Fabrice that night was remarkable."
Coyle is not surprised by the Football Association's decision to approach Roy Hodgson rather than Harry Redknapp about the England manager's job.
"I always felt it was between the two of them. There was the clamour for Harry and we all understand why. But it didn't surprise me that they then tried to approach Roy," he said.
"Roy is a terrific manager, someone I have a lot of time for, and I have no doubts he can bring real success to the England national team."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments