Mike Doyle

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Lore & Background

Mike Doyle was voted Manchester City's hardest player in the club's official magazine, a reputation earned over 570 appearances and 41 goals for the club. He was a key figure in City's most successful period, winning the Football League First Division in 1967–68, the FA Cup in 1968–69, and the Football League Cup twice, in 1969–70 and 1975–76. He also won the FA Charity Shield in 1968 and 1972, and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1969–70. After leaving City in June 1978 for a £50,000 fee, he slotted into Stoke City's defence with ease, playing 46 matches in 1978–79 as Stoke gained promotion to the First Division, with the defence keeping 21 clean sheets. He helped Stoke fight off relegation in 1979–80 and made 40 appearances in 1980–81 as Stoke finished mid-table. After new manager Richie Barker let him go, he moved to Bolton Wanderers in January 1982, spending a season and a half there before ending his career with a season at Rochdale.

In Their Own Story

After retiring from football, Mike Doyle became a heavy drinker, but in 2007 he attended the Sporting Chance Clinic, which helped him give up alcohol for a short time. He died on 27 June 2011 of liver failure after several weeks of treatment in Tameside General Hospital. Tributes were made by his former clubs Manchester City, Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers. His son Scott Doyle is married to Charlotte, the daughter of former teammate Glyn Pardoe, and his grandson Tommy Doyle plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers and has played for England's U-17 and U-16 national sides.

Reader's Guide

Mike Doyle's career at Manchester City spanned from his debut in March 1965 against Cardiff City to his departure in June 1978. He played in multiple roles—wing-half, forward, and central defence—but most of his later appearances were in central defence. He scored for City in the 1970 League Cup Final win over West Bromwich Albion and captained the side in the 1976 League Cup Final. He was voted the club's hardest player in the club's official magazine. At Stoke City, he was part of the defence that kept 21 clean sheets in the 1978–79 promotion season. He was named Manchester City Player of the Year in 1970–71 and 1973–74, and Stoke City Player of the Year in 1978–79.

Did You Know?

• Mike Doyle was voted Manchester City's hardest player in the club's official magazine.
• He scored for City in the 1970 League Cup Final win over West Bromwich Albion.
• He captained Manchester City in the 1976 League Cup Final.
• His grandson Tommy Doyle plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers and has represented England at U-16 and U-17 levels.
• Doyle's son Scott is married to Charlotte, the daughter of former teammate Glyn Pardoe.