Exclusive: Wolves Ace Tommy Doyle Has No Regrets Leaving Man City for the Black Country

Tommy Doyle has no regrets about swapping Manchester City for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and admitting the thrill of playing regular first team football more than compensates for his exit from the reigning Premier League champions, the midfielder is convinced he can lift trophies with Gary O’Neil’s side.

Doyle Finds Joy in Regular First Team Football

Despite being almost guaranteed to win medals had he remained at the Etihad Stadium, Doyle told SportsBoom.com: “I love the games. You wake up on a matchday and you feel ready.”

“There’s always lots to take on board but the most exciting thing is to actually play.”

“That’s why we come into this and that’s what everyone wants to do. It’s the most important thing.”

Aged 22 and a former England under-21 international, Doyle has just enjoyed his breakthrough campaign at Molineux.

Image Credits: beIN SPORTS

A Storied City Legacy and Unfulfilled Dreams

Although he grew up as a City supporter and had hoped to emulate his grandfathers - who both featured in the club’s 1974 League Cup final defeat by Wolves - Doyle struggled to command a regular place in Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven.

He made only four senior appearances for City before completing loan spells with Hamburg and Sheffield United.

But, after embellishing his reputation as a hot young prospect by helping The Blades win promotion to the Premier League, Doyle was then targeted by Wolves who are set to make his switch permanent this month.

A Breakthrough Season at Molineux

He went on to make 32 outings under O’Neil, whose side finished 14th in the Premier League table, but was ineligible for selection when Wolves beat City in September.

Even though his family are City through and through - dad Scott was also on their youth books as a youngster before his career was interrupted by injury - Doyle’s presence in the Black Country will have tempered their disappointment following that result.

Family Support and Inspirational Guidance

Scott’s father Mike Doyle and his mother’s dad Glyn Pardoe are both legends in the North-West, having helped City win the 1969 FA Cup final before that clash with Wolves five years later. They also won a First Division title, the Charity Shield and the European Cup Winners Cup together in a City shirt.

“I know they aren’t here anymore, but I still think about them all the time,” added Doyle.

“The advice I got from them, you couldn’t buy that experience or knowledge.”

Doyle continued: “Dad had a problem with his back but ribs me he was still a better player than me.”

“Joking aside, him and mum are my number one fans, and they do whatever they can to help me. I can’t thank them or the family enough to be honest.”