Evergreen ex-Portsmouth and Coventry skipper Michael Doyle eyeing third promotion in four seasons

Former Pompey skipper Michael Doyle is eyeing a third promotion in four seasons as he spearheads Notts County’s bid to return to the Football League.
Michael Doyle (left) celebrates winning the League Two title with Gareth Evans in May 2017. Picture: Harry Murphy/Getty ImagesMichael Doyle (left) celebrates winning the League Two title with Gareth Evans in May 2017. Picture: Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Michael Doyle (left) celebrates winning the League Two title with Gareth Evans in May 2017. Picture: Harry Murphy/Getty Images

The Magpies host Barnet in the National League play-off semi-finals on Saturday (5pm).

The winner of the one-off match will then face either Harrogate Town or Boreham Wood in the Wembley final.

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Doyle, who turns 39 next month, has been a regular for Notts County in their maiden campaign at non-league level, featuring 33 times and scoring once.

There have also been three red cards for the midfielder, who also serves as captain for Neal Ardley’s side.

Doyle memorably led Pompey to the League Two title in 2016-17 under Paul Cook before leaving weeks later after 99 appearances.

He then skippered Coventry to League Two play-off success at Wembley over Exeter in May 2018.

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Notts County have other faces familiar to Blues followers, with former loanee Wes Thomas having scored 10 times, while Damien McCrory features in defence.

Notts County finished third in the National League this term, six points off leaders Barrow with eight games remaining when the campaign was curtailed.

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