Tommy Doyle recounts defeat that persuaded him to sign…

Tommy Doyle recounts defeat that persuaded him to sign for Sheffield United on loan from Man City

Tommy Doyle admits he couldn't turn down the chance to move to Sheffield United, after securing a loan move to Bramall Lane from Manchester City.

City's academy captain in 2020/21, Doyle was loaned to Hamburg last summer, but struggled to break into their side and was recalled in January. He was sent back out to Cardiff, tasked with helping pull them away from relegation, and impressed on loan in South Wales as the Bluebirds comfortably stayed up in the Championship.

Now, he has switched Cardiff for Sheffield, and he pointed to a difficult afternoon in South Yorkshire in April as decisive in choosing where to play this season.

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Back in April, with safety secured, Cardiff frustrated promotion-chasing Sheffield United but fell to a 1-0 defeat as the Blades went on to finish in the play-offs. Doyle says his memories of that game helped make his mind up when Sheffield United came calling this summer.

He told their official website: "I'm excited to be here, I'm ready and looking forward to starting the season. I got the phone call that Sheffield United was interested and it is hard to say no to a club like this. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, I know one or two already, but I'm focussed on getting down to work and preparing for the new season.

"I played for Cardiff at Bramall Lane last season and it wasn't easy. It was a tough day that I remember well, the fans and stadium were brilliant and I'm looking forward to playing there again."

Sheffield United beat off interest from other Championship clubs, but there is no option for them to buy him permanently at the end of the loan.

Explaining why they signed him, Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom said: "We are pleased to attract a player who has a lot of experience for his age. He's already had a couple of good loans, has been around the first team at Manchester City as well playing for England.

"We think he can add a lot of quality to our midfield, he can play in a couple of positions whether we play as a two or a three, and tactically he is very good, we are confident he will fit into our group very well, he's got the knowledge of how we want to play."

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