Doyle in to aid Sheffield United's attempt to pull clear of trouble

SHEFFIELD United will today sign midfielder Michael Doyle from Coventry City. The former Republic of Ireland international spent yesterday afternoon undergoing a medical at the club and is expected to put pen to paper on a permanent deal this morning.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jan 2011, 08:13 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2011, 09:42 BST

Manager Micky Adams has made no secret of his desire to sign two new players before the Blades' next game at home to Leicester City a week today.

Doyle, 29, is Coventry's longest serving player and has been a regular in their side this season.

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He spent the whole of last season on loan with Leeds United after falling out of favour with Coventry's then manager Chris Coleman but resurrected his career with the Sky Blues after the arrival of Aidy Boothroyd.

Doyle made 42 appearances for Leeds last season and played a major role in the club's promotion to the Championship.

A tough tackling player who thrives in the midfield anchor role, he will bring much-needed experience to a Blades side who are currently battling to avoid relegation to League One.

On Saturday, Doyle appeared to wave farewell to the Coventry supporters after being substituted during their 2-1 defeat against Queens Park Rangers.

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Boothroyd, meanwhile, admitted that he would not stand in the way of his departure and was looking to bring younger players such as Conor Thomas into his first team on a more regular basis.

Adams will know all about Doyle's strengths and weaknesses after spending two years at Coventry as manager.

Doyle, who hails from Dublin, started his career with Scottish side Celtic but was spotted playing on loan for Danish club AGF Aarhus by former Coventry manager Gary McAllister and moved to England in 2003.

Adams is still on the lookout for a new defender to provide additional experience in the absence of captain Chris Morgan.

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Since becoming Blades manager five games ago, Adams has recruited centre-back Shane Lowry, on loan from Aston Villa, left-back Joe Mattock on loan from West Bromwich Albion, and striker Marcus Bent on loan from Birmingham City until the end of the season.

Chelsea striker Danny Philliskirk, the teenage son of former Blades striker Tony, has also

arrived at the club on loan along with Australian defender Marc Warren on a permanent deal from the Blades' sister club Central Coast Mariners.

Related topics:Michael DoyleSheffield UnitedCoventry CityRepublic of IrelandShane Lowry