Doyle targets Premier League as Blades captain signs new contract

The Irish midfielder, who joined United from Coventry City in January 2011, is now contracted at Bramall Lane until the summer of 2015, with the deal taking him to within a few months of his 34th birthday.

Doyle, 31, who will miss tomorrow’s League One clash at Yeovil as he is serving the final game of a three-match ban, says his immediate mission is captaining the Blades back to the Championship after last season’s Wembley play-off heartache – but he also has eyes on achieving a bigger prize.

Doyle, promoted from League One with United’s White Rose rivals Leeds United in 2009-10, said: “I’m more than happy to sign the new deal because I want to play a part in taking this club back to the Championship this season. That’s the main aim and looking long-term, I would love to be here within the time-frame of the new deal to help get this club back in the Premier League.

“I enjoy coming to work and working with my boss, the people throughout the club have made this feel like home and I was only too happy to extend my stay until 2015 – hopefully, if I am fit and healthy, the club will still want me beyond this deal.”

Blades chief Danny Wilson admits he is delighted that Doyle has agreed fresh terms and has hailed the Dubliner’s qualities both and off the pitch.

Wilson added: “We’ve been talking for a while about a new deal. Michael has been outstanding; he has taken on the captain’s job and been fantastic.

“He’s the type of character that you need around the club and has great qualities out on the pitch. He is a dogged, determined guy and a high-quality leader and footballer. He’s got an inner determination”

The Blades and city rivals Wednesday – who already share main shirt sponsors – have agreed a new sponsorship agreement with telecommunications company GCI Com. The deal sees the GCI Com logo emblazoned on the back of both clubs’ new home and away shirts.