I’VE never been one to slag off referees but I shared Owen Coyle’s anger and frustration after Saturday’s defeat at Tottenham.

I think most people would agree, going off his past performances, that Mark Clattenburg can either be very good or very bad – there are no in-betweens – and on this occasion he was bad.

And I say that not just on the strength of the decisions that went against us; I think Tottenham had a genuine grievance when they were made to re-take their second penalty.

But the big decision of the day came at 1-1 when he turned down appeals for a penalty when Gary Cahill was fouled, then added insult to injury by booking the lad for diving.

That left a real sour taste.

I can’t imagine what was going through the ref’s mind and I don’t blame the gaffer for coming out and criticising him – especially his decision to book young Gary because I know him well. He’s a good lad and an honest lad – a top-drawer professional and he’s certainly not a cheat, which is what Clattenburg was saying whe he showed him the yellow card.

It’s a pity referees don’t know the character of the players they are dealing and don’t take into account the character of the managers.

There was never a culture of cheating when we were playing together and, although there might be some managers who encourage their players to do anything to gain an advantage over their opponents, Owen wouldn’t condone any of his players cheating. It’s just not in his nature and it’s insulting to him for anyone to suggest otherwise.

He’ll be sore, and rightly so, because he knows that was a game we could have won but I’m sure he will pick the lads up for what will be a massive game against Everton on Sunday.

They’ll be coming here on the back of a 5-3 win against Blackpool on what was a barmy weekend in the Premier League. Goals were flying in everywhere and there were some great games and some surprising results, which for me just goes to show that this is the best league in the world.

THEY might be fierce rivals when they go head-to-head but Arsene Wenger and Carlo Ancelotti must have the utmost respect for Owen Coyle.

Wenger must have been delighted when young Jack Wilshere returned to Arsenal last summer after his loan spell up here at the Reebok. In half a season a good young midfield player had developed into an accomplished Premier League player who has not only been a fixture for the Gunners this season but has now moved into the England set-up.

Now young Daniel Sturridge looks like he is going to benefit from a stint under Owen’s care.

Chelsea boss Ancelotti was more than happy to let the striker come up here on loan, confident in the knowledge that he will be well looked after and would be playing in a team that can help his development.

It doesn’t surprise me because Owen is a top man. He’ll have a go at me for saying so because he doesn’t like people throwing bouquets at him, but I could go on all day singing his praises.

I’m sure young Sturridge has already been made to feel welcome judging by the impact he has made – two goals in two games is a brilliant start.

He’s a smashing young player and a natural goalscorer – but that’s only to be expected when you look at his pedigree.

He came through the academy system – getting in at Manchester City at a fairly young age – and that in itself should send a message to any young player that the system works.

If they are good enough and do the right things, they will get their chance. That’s a point I make to the parents of the young kids who were playing for our Under-9s, U11s and U13s on Sunday morning.

This is the place to be. And if the kids step up to the plate and take their chance, they will eventually join Jimmy Phillips and John Henry in the development squad – and ultimately be passed on to the first team.

IF Owen Coyle and the lads are looking for any omens ahead of Sunday’s game against Everton, they should take note of the Under-18s performance at the weekend when they beat their Goodison counterparts 2-1.

Everton are top of the Academy Premier League but their reputation counted for nothing. Our lads went in front and although they were pegged back to 1-1 when Everton had a good 15-minute spell, they produced an outstanding team performance and were good value for their last-minute winner.

It’s not all about results, of course. It’s about developing players. But winning is a good habit to get into – just ask Liam Irwin and Graeme MacGregor who have stepped up to Republic of Ireland and Scotland Under-19s squads this season.

I WILL be heading up the M6 on Saturday with David Lee to attend the Lancaster Whites annual dinner.

They are a great bunch up there. They always treat their guests like royalty and love talking football and Bolton Wanderers in particular.

Their support for the club is greatly appreciated and David and I know we’ll receive a warm welcome.