Michael Doyle has opened up about his “frustrating” time at Sheffield United during an honest interview.
Speaking to the official website of current club Notts County, Doyle discusses his four-and-a-half years as a Blade.
Signed in January 2011, the midfielder was part of the squad that was relegated to League One at the end of that season.
Doyle spent four more years in the United first team. During that time they reached the playoffs three times, losing twice in the semis and once being runners-up in the final.
They also got to the FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals during Doyle’s stint at Bramall Lane. Yet having won promotion with Leeds United prior to joining the Blades and with Portsmouth and Coventry City since, not being able to do the same in South Yorkshire is clearly a regret.
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“It’s a tough one, Sheffield United. I loved it there, unbelievable club, unbelievable fans,” Doyle said.
“It’s just frustrating when I look back on my time there because it’s the only club I didn’t achieve a promotion with.
“Great people, working class club. Playoff final, playoff semi-final, FA Cup semi-final, League Cup semi-final. I did everything but win.
“It’s the one for me that leaves the biggest tinge (of regret). I’d love to be looking back and saying I played a part in getting back to the Championship from League One.
“It was tough at time to play there because they (the fans) wanted it (success) that much. I always understood that as a player, I always understood the weight of the jersey. I don’t think it’s personal, they just want it so much.”
How Sheffield United kicked on without Michael Doyle
(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Two years after Doyle left the club, they won the League One title with 100 points under manager Chris Wilder. Since then they have been promoted again and are currently seventh in the Premier League table.
Now 38-years-old, Doyle is still playing in the National League with Notts. The Magpies are currently third and if the season does resume following the coronavirus pandemic, he could achieve yet another promotion.
But not being able to do so with the Blades – a side he played 231 times for – will always be a regret.
