Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has praised Tottenham Hotspur for being 'truly outstanding' in offering their support for Fabrice Muamba.
Bolton boss ready for an emotional night at White Hart Lane
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has praised Tottenham Hotspur for being 'truly outstanding' in offering their support for Fabrice Muamba.
The midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest during Bolton's FA Cup tie at Tottenham 10 days ago and is continuing to make remarkable progress at the London Chest Hospital.
The rescheduled quarter-final encounter will take place at White Hart Lane on Tuesday evening and Coyle feels it will be an opportunity to thank Tottenham fans for their behaviour when Muamba collapsed.
Coyle has also offered his gratitude for the way Spurs have continued to express concern for Muamba, particularly his counterpart Harry Redknapp.
Goodwill
"It doesn't surprise me because I know the man he is anyway, but I've spoken to Harry two or three times a day since last week," said Coyle.
"That was while I was down there. But even when I came back and we both had games to prepare for, I spoke to him each day. That just sums up the man he is.
"He didn't have to be phoning two or three times a day for an update, but he had genuine concern and goodwill.
"From Daniel Levy as chairman all the way through the club, Tottenham Hotspur have been truly outstanding.
"Sometimes you think 'what is normal. We are engrossed in this football world. When events like that transpire, you think 'hold on a minute' and get a different perspective.
"Tottenham is going to be another very emotional night. But it gives both teams an opportunity to thank both wonderful sets of fans for their reaction to what happened and the aftermath.
"We all expected the Bolton fans to shout for Fabrice to recover. But the Tottenham fans seemed to get a sixth sense with the exact same response.
"There was a real sense of unity. Fabrice's family felt the energy and I have no doubt that has played a part in his recovery."
Both teams' shirts will be auctioned off after the game to raise money for the London Chest Hospital.
