Coventry City, once a fixture in the Premier League, faced a steep decline and significant off-field challenges in recent years. However, the appointment of Mark Robins in 2017 marked a turning point, leading the club to aim for a Championship playoff spot once more.

Under Robins’ tenure, Coventry achieved promotions from League Two and League One, and also secured the EFL Trophy. The journey began with winning the League Two playoff final in the 2017/18 season, a campaign highlighted by the influential presence of club stalwart Michael Doyle.

Doyle, revered among Coventry fans, started his career at Celtic and had a successful loan spell at AGF Aarhus before joining Coventry permanently. He quickly became a midfield mainstay in the Championship, making an immediate impact with 40 league appearances and four goals in his debut season.

During his seven and a half years at Coventry, Doyle made nearly 300 appearances, scoring 22 goals. He assumed the captaincy from the 2005/06 season onwards, demonstrating strong leadership and guiding the team through challenging times in the Championship.

After a stint at Leeds United where he helped secure promotion to the Championship, Doyle returned to Coventry, contributing his experience to the team’s success, including leading them to victory in the 2017/18 League Two playoff final at Wembley Stadium.

Despite departing in 2019, Doyle remains a legend at Coventry City, remembered for his commitment, leadership, and significant contributions on the pitch, totaling 372 appearances, 26 goals, and 20 assists. His legacy continues to resonate within the club and among its supporters.