FOOTBALL: SKIPPER Michael Doyle says he never anticipated a return to Coventry City.
But he is now settled back in the area living with his family.
The 36-year-old, who re-joined the Sky Blues following a six-year absence from the club, admitted within five minutes of meeting manager Mark Robins he wanted in on the club’s League Two challenge.
Doyle, the fourth of 13 new additions to the Sky Blues camp over the summer, said an ambitious attitude from Robins coupled with the club’s promotion vision helped him make his mind up.
He said: “The vision of promotion and the manager’s ambition attracted me.
“Portsmouth was a brilliant two years. There was lots of pressure and expectation.
“It’s a similar situation coming back to Coventry. When I met the manager, I knew within five minutes that I wanted this.
“When I left Coventry I thought I’d never be back. Even though I never left the city and my family stayed here, I didn’t think I’d return.
“Leaving Sheffield United was the moment I first thought about coming back.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to help the club climb up divisions. My family live here, it’s perfect.”
Albeit Doyle is now playing two divisions lower compared to his last stint at Coventry, the Irishman said the team is full of young and hungry players that want to achieve.
“It’s different playing here now to eight years ago,” he said.
“We’re now in a higher part of the division we play in.
“We now have young, hungry, players that are just starting and trying to become successful. It’s great to be a part of that.
“The main aim for me is promotion. And I’m enjoying the challenge.”
Though Coventry have, by a long way, the best defensive record in the league, the Sky Blues have scored just 14 league goals all season.
Yeovil Town, currently sat in 20th position, have scored more league goals.
But Doyle insists the Sky Blues are in a good position and players will soon start to finish their chances.
He added: “People can get carried away. We’re in a good position, we’re a new team.
“Personally I think we’re only going to improve. Our last seven games we’ve created chances and won five of them.
“It’s a 46 game season. Not every game will be free flowing. Every game will be a grind, especially now with the weather and conditions changing.
“We want to improve and we’ve got quality in the side. It’s a matter of time until people start finishing their chances.
“It’s a season of twists and turns. They’ll be highs and lows.”