Although currently unconfirmed by the club, Michael Doyle has been released by Sheffield United.
During his time with the Blades, Club Captain Doyle has made 229 appearances in a red and white shirt and has contributed 10 goals from being played in the heart of the Blades midfield (Source: TransferMarkt).
For the majority of the season, Doyle has been a regular in Nigel Clough’s plans making a total of 56 appearances in all competitions this season. However, more recently, Doyle has been a bench-warmer and has been used more as a calming substitute; a man to steady the ship.
His work rate and commitment to the club will be most likely the thing that Doyle is remembered most by, however these won’t be the only things. Doyle led his team out twice at Wembley. First against Huddersfield Town in the 2012 League One Play Off Final and then against Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup Semi-Final. The Blades, however, lost both games. Also, his antics against West Ham in this season’s Capital One Cup couldn’t go amiss. After scoring the winning penalty, Doyle’s imitation of a Cockney walk was typical of his character.
Doyle’s release was reported by BBC Radio Sheffield journalist Rob Staton. Staton tweeted:
Understand Michael Doyle will not be retained by Sheffield United, ending his four year spell at Bramall Lane. #SUFC
— Rob Staton (@robstaton) May 13, 2015
Doyle’s popularity was confirmed after fans reacted to the news Doyle had been released:
Doyle has been a great leader for Sheffield United over the past few years. I honestly hope he finds a great club! #sufc#twitterblades
— Lee Barber (@ItsLeeBarber) May 13, 2015
Good Luck to Michael Doyle. Been through a tough 5 years. Will be forever remembered for this #sufc#twitterbladespic.twitter.com/cv0gqfzCCF
— e-Sheffield United (@e_SheffUtd) May 13, 2015
In an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield, Doyle reflected on his time with the Blades. Doyle has clearly loved his time with United stating, “the club will always have a big piece of my heart”. Fans will be sorry to see such a great servant go, but no one could ever forget the charisma and effort that Doyle brought.