Evergreen ex-Portsmouth, Leeds, Coventry and Sheffield United man extends his career with Notts County

Evergreen Michael Doyle has continued his playing career for another season.
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The former Pompey skipper has today signed a new deal at Notts County – on his 39th birthday.

Doyle's enjoyed a fine career and is showing no signs of hanging up his boots just yet.

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The Irishman joined the Blues in the summer of 2015 as part of Paul Cook's overhaul.

He was appointed captain and would lead Pompey to League Two glory.

Doyle skippered Cook's men to the fourth-tier title in 2017, following a 6-1 victory over Cheltenham on a dramatic final day of the season.

Following three goals in 99 appearances, however, he'd leave Fratton Park only weeks later to rejoin Coventry.

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There Doyle would enjoy a second promotion in as many years, captaining the Sky Blues to League One via the play-offs.

Michael Doyle lifts the League Two title aloft after Pompey's triumph in 2017. Picture: Joe PeplerMichael Doyle lifts the League Two title aloft after Pompey's triumph in 2017. Picture: Joe Pepler
Michael Doyle lifts the League Two title aloft after Pompey's triumph in 2017. Picture: Joe Pepler

The former Leeds man left Coventry in January 2019 on loan for Notts County in their bid to remain in the Football League.

The Magpies were unable to avoid relegation, although Doyle still signed up for their first non-league campaign in the club's 157-year history.

County's bid fell just short last week, though, when they were defeated 3-1 by Harrogate Town in the play-off final at Wembley.

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That means Neil Ardley is plotting another promotion push - and Doyle is firmly on board.

He told the Magpies' website: ‘I’m delighted to be part of the club’s future. I can see success ahead over the next four or five years, I really can.

‘The club has come a massively long way and the people in charge are making the right moves to take it forward.

‘There are a lot of exciting times ahead for the supporters and on a personal level I just want to play a part in getting us back into the league and on the right footing.

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‘My target when I arrived was to keep us in the EFL. Unfortunately we came up short, so something that’s driving me on is my desire to leave the club where I found it. If I manage to do that in my time I’d be so happy. If anything, Wembley has made me more determined.

‘I’d like to thank everyone for their support over the year. We’ve got to make sure we all come back stronger because it’s going to be a long, hard season. Let’s make sure we’re all smiling and celebrating at the end this time.’

Former Pompey triallist Richard Brindley has been offered a new deal at Meadow Lane.

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