OWEN Coyle believes last week’s loan capture of Stephen Warnock is proof that he has support at board level at Wanderers .

The Whites missed out on bringing the versatile 30-year-old to the Reebok during the transfer window after a financial package could not be agreed between the two clubs.

But when the loan window re-opened, Coyle felt the former England man was still the ideal candidate to help steady his ship after an indifferent start.

An improved deal was offered to Villa, and Warnock was snapped up in time to sit on the bench during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

“We’d tried to get him before but for Eddie Davies and Phil Gartside to back us and find those extra funds to bring him in was a huge thing,” he said.

“I have to say, Aston Villa were superb with us, in terms of the deal that we did.

“But we still needed the owner to sanction that and for me personally it was a big thing because he knows how hard we are working to put things right, and when you get something like that it gives everyone confidence at the football club.”

Coyle planned to use Warnock in Monday night’s reserve team outing against Reading but the game was cancelled because of a waterlogged pitch, and will now be played on October 15.

“He’s only played 90 minutes this season so I need to build his fitness levels up now,” he sad.

“But he’s a terrific player and one whose experience will be a real benefit.”