Tommy Doyle had a significant role in Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League last season while on loan at Bramall Lane. There were discussions about a potential transfer over the summer, but no agreement was reached. Instead, the Manchester City midfielder secured a loan move to Wolves with an option to buy.
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As he prepares for his first return to the Blades on Saturday with Wolves, it’s interesting to consider what might have been if circumstances were different. When asked if a summer transfer was ever close, Heckingbottom commented:
“No. Listen, he wanted to and we’d have taken him, without a doubt. But City were keen to sell. Finances, that’s all it was.”
“He had a couple of loans which were indifferent but someone I’d seen a lot of and knew a lot about.
“I knew his character and also his technical ability. I was pretty sure he was what we were looking for and what we were after. He did great. We were good for him and he was good for us. I have nothing but praise for him, he’s a good lad.” [SUTV]
Since his loan switch in the summer Doyle has had limited opportunities at Molineux, having made just five appearances this season, primarily starting in the Carabao Cup.