New Blades midfielder Doyle eager to reprise rescue act with Adams

Midfielder Doyle has linked up with manager Adams for the second time in his career after leaving Coventry City on a free transfer.

The former Republic of Ireland international, 29, has signed a two-and-half-year deal with the Blades and is likely to make his debut against Leicester City next Tuesday.

Doyle, who spent last season on loan at Leeds United, worked with Adams previously when the pair helped Coventry beat the drop in 2005.

He becomes the first permanent new signing for the Blades since Adams took charge five games ago.

"It was a hard decision because I felt like part of the furniture at Coventry," revealed Doyle. "But it was the time in my life to have a change. Once I knew Micky Adams was interested, I knew this was where I wanted to be

"I want to play my part in helping this club stay in the division.

"When Micky came in at Coventry, the club was also in a similar position. He turned things around there and we went on a great run.

"It took a lot of character and organisation and Micky also brought in a few experienced players that helped massively."

Doyle, who has played predominantly in a midfield holding role, spent eight years at Coventry but his contract was due to expire this summer.

He assesses the Blades, who are currently on 27 points and one point clear of the relegation zone, need a minimum of 51 points to avoid the drop.

"There are 19 games left and until we get to 51 points we are not safe," he said. "We have to get those points as quickly as possible and sometimes it just needs a scrappy win to get things going."

Adams needed a new midfielder after allowing summer signing Leon Britton to return to his former club Swansea City last week.

He has already signed defenders Shane Lowry and Joe Mattock on loan from Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion respectively and striker Marcus Bent on loan from Birmingham City.

It is understood that he still hopes to have another player, possibly a defender, on board before the club's next game.

"He is a known quantity who has worked for me before," Adams said of Doyle.

"We were in a similar situation when I took over at Coventry and he was a big part in us turning things around. He will bring experience and competition for places in midfield."