Kevin Doyle

[OwlsFan]

Well, despite some people here predicting that just about every team in the Premiership wanted Doyle, he remains at Reading. I have often wondered about this pro-Doyle anti-Keane thing many supporters have. There are a few behind me at Lansdowne who ignore any misplaced pass by Doyle but the minute Robbie loses possession, they're down on him like a ton of bricks. It is because Doyle was originally LoI ? Doyle isn't a bad player but is overrated by many and if you gave me the choice of Keane or Doyle, I'd always go for Keane.

[ifk101]

It is because Doyle was originally LoI ?

Yes :D

[shakermaker1982]

Doyle and Hunt know they are at a brilliant club and don't need to move - Coppell I'm sure persuaded them to stay. I'd imagine there were a number of clubs after the pair of them but they'll be back in the PL next August so why mess a good thing up? Just ask Robbie.

Robbie vs Doyle? I rate both players so cannot really comment but have noticed the Pro Keane lobby tend to be from Dublin :)

[DeLorean]

Well, despite some people here predicting that just about every team in the Premiership wanted Doyle, he remains at Reading. I have often wondered about this pro-Doyle anti-Keane thing many supporters have. There are a few behind me at Lansdowne who ignore any misplaced pass by Doyle but the minute Robbie loses possession, they're down on him like a ton of bricks. It is because Doyle was originally LoI ? Doyle isn't a bad player but is overrated by many and if you gave me the choice of Keane or Doyle, I'd always go for Keane.

RK has done far more for Ireland than Doyle, obviously as he has been playing far longer. Over the past couple of yrs Doyle has played far better than Keane in the green shirt if not necessarily at club level. We are lucky to have the two of them as it's about the only area of the pitch where we do have outstanding quality, and maybe the wings.

[NeilMcD]

Yeah like the public sector worker and the private sector worker. Do not set Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle at loggerheads. They are not the problem.

[paul_oshea]

dont you mean loggerbees? Loggerhead is 10 miles down the road....

[DeLorean]

If you're going to say that any position is sorted then it has to be the man between the sticks.

Keane and Doyle haven't forged a particularly good partnership. In the last 2 years Keane has scored 5 and Doyle 6, its hardly a good return for 20+ games. But then more of that is down to delivery than finishing.

I didn't mean to a disservice to Given, true enough though possibly our most important player, especially for the big games. I don't think Keane and Doyle are an ideal partnership but if the rest of the team plays well I'm sure they'll improve. I don't think any other partnership is an option anyway.

[eirebhoy]

Keane and Doyle haven't forged a particularly good partnership. In the last 2 years Keane has scored 5 and Doyle 6, its hardly a good return for 20+ games. But then more of that is down to delivery than finishing.
They've started together 17 times. Keane has scored 10. Doyle 4.

Keane's total goal to start ratio for Ireland is 43%. With Doyle it's 59%.
Doyle's total goal to start ratio for Ireland is 30%. With Keane it's 24%.

It's not all about goals of course though.

[Diarmo]

They are some really interesting statistics. Maybe its my Wexford bias, but I was always a little critical of Keane's willingness to pass to Doyle in key positions.

However, since Trap took over they look a lot more like a functioning strike partnership. The performance in the away Georgia match I thought was particularly good.

[Razors left peg]

They are some really interesting statistics. Maybe its my Wexford bias, but I was always a little critical of Keane's willingness to pass to Doyle in key positions.

However, since Trap took over they look a lot more like a functioning strike partnership. The performance in the away Georgia match I thought was particularly good.

Thats probably down to some decent coaching on the training pitch in the run up to games now, for the last couple of seasons they havent had that under Staunton. Im a big fan of Doyle and Keane and I still think they have the makings of a very good partnership

[Stuttgart88]

Maybe its my Wexford bias, but I was always a little critical of Keane's willingness to pass to Doyle in key positions. No, I think there were times we could all see that Doyle was frustrated when Keane elected not to pass. I'd say it wasn't usually outright selfishness though, more a case of poor decision making. Robbie's a skillful player so taking his man on is always an option for him, but too frequently from Doyle's (and our) perspective it has been the wrong option.

Somewhat geekishly I do recall one intance in the Norway friendly where Doyle was screaming for a pass inside but Robbie went solo, but in that instance I think Norway's CB positioned himself well to cut out any prospective pass.

Personally I reckon the reason the partnership hasn't wholly gelled is because each has to work so hard to compensate for central midfield's weaknesses that they're usually very far apart and quite a distance from the midfield. Robbie is always dropping deep and Doyle is often seen out wide cutting the supply route from opposing full backs. If our midfield had a better grip on the game I think you'd see Keane & Doyle perform better both individually and together.

[dr_peepee]

Personally I reckon the reason the partnership hasn't wholly gelled is because each has to work so hard to compensate for central midfield's weaknesses that they're usually very far apart and quite a distance from the midfield. Robbie is always dropping deep and Doyle is often seen out wide cutting the supply route from opposing full backs. If our midfield had a better grip on the game I think you'd see Keane & Doyle perform better both individually and together.

Definately a factor. They were dead on their feet toward the end of the Cyprus game...

[elroy]

Definately a factor. They were dead on their feet toward the end of the Cyprus game...

Lucky we dont have a Berbatov type character up front who couldnt be arsed putting in the hard work.

[Razors left peg]

Just been awarded Irish International player of the year. Well deserved

[sligofan4ever]

Well done to Kevin Doyle, deserved the award. Had tough competition to win it, Shay Given and................. John O' Shea.

[OwlsFan]

Scored again at last against...well you probably know who. A few more now before the Bulgaria game would be good. Long scored as well.

[tetsujin1979]

Long's goal was a cracker actually, ran on to a through ball into the penalty area, steadied himself, and shot across the keeper to the far side of the goal.
Doyle's was a header on the far post from a corner, was harder to miss to be honest. If you leave a player like Doyle all alone from a set piece, you deserve everything you get.

[magnumpi]

also, was it doyle who played long in for his goal? haven't seen the goals as i was at five-a-side, but thought i heard that on the radio on the way home.

doyle's been our best player in the last few internationals by far. no bias there either.

[DeLorean]

also, was it doyle who played long in for his goal? haven't seen the goals as i was at five-a-side, but thought i heard that on the radio on the way home.

doyle's been our best player in the last few internationals by far. no bias there either.

No it was Stephen Hunt that played Long in according to the report on BBC-http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7908429.stm

[seahawk]

No it was Stephen Hunt that played Long in according to the report on BBC-http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7908429.stm

Yes, a very nice pass from from SHunt setup Long for the winner. I just watched the highlight clip on Reading World to be sure.

[OwlsFan]

Anyone any idea why Doyle has missed the last 3 games for Reading? Other than his goal against Wednesday, he's been on a goal drought for quite a while.

[Stuttgart88]

I noticed that too. I'm guessing he's just knackered. His work rate is phenomenal for club and country and I suspect he's being rested with the play offs in mind.

Shane Long scored last night. 7 for the season.

[carloz]

Anyone any idea why Doyle has missed the last 3 games for Reading? Other than his goal against Wednesday, he's been on a goal drought for quite a while.

Quite sure he is injured, but he was expected to be back for last night. Think it was his knee

[tetsujin1979]

Knee injury according to this: http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2049390_noel_may_be_out_for_season
Noel Hunt may miss the end of the season :(

[dr_peepee]

Shane Long scored last night. 7 for the season.

Iid like to see him leave Reading at this point.... He's been knocking on the door there in terms of establishing himself for too long.

[OwlsFan]

Knee injury according to this: http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2049390_noel_may_be_out_for_season
Noel Hunt may miss the end of the season :(

Hmmm, never like to hear about "knee injuries". Can be complicated those kind of injuries.

[geysir]

Doyle Hunt injuries (http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1635891,00.html)
Reading should have Kevin Doyle back for next Monday's game at Norwich.

Noel Hunt's foot injury is being monitored,
Doyle has missed three games, also because of a knee injury, but should be back in training later on this week.
Hunt has undergone a scan on his foot and we await further results

[seahawk]

Doyle Hunt injuries (http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1635891,00.html)
Reading should have Kevin Doyle back for next Monday's game at Norwich.

Noel Hunt's foot injury is being monitored,
Doyle has missed three games, also because of a knee injury, but should be back in training later on this week.
Hunt has undergone a scan on his foot and we await further results

Coppell has a history of not changing the team after a win. So even if Doyle is healthy he might not get his spot right back. It's just one of many Coppellisms.

Regarding Shane Long, he has settled into a super-sub roll for the club. His best chance to get consistent game action would be at another club I am afraid.

[Uncle_Joe]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0624/doylek.html

Bolton ready to table a bid apparently. Personnally I would rather see Doyle go to Fulham.

[youngirish]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0624/doylek.html

Bolton ready to table a bid apparently. Personnally I would rather see Doyle go to Fulham.

I think Fulham would be the best possible destination for him at present even over Everton, the main reason being that I reckon his starting place would not be under as much threat when he's going through one of his barren spells mid season. He could find himself down the pecking order of a club like Everton fairly quickly in such a situation.

As for Bolton I'd expect they'll struggle quite badly this year unless they make some very useful signings before the transfer window ends. Wolves will also most likely be heavily involved in a relegation battle unless they add considerably to their squad (have they bought anyone of note yet?) while Sunderland could be the worst of both worlds as they look likely to struggle but also have the resources to get someone new in and consign Doyle to the fringes of the first team if he's not performing week in, week out.

Fulham it is for me then, partnering Andy Johnson up front.

[SunderlandBohs]

Interesting read on this Reading forum about Doyle and Hunt.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A53610248

[DeLorean]

Interesting read on this Reading forum about Doyle and Hunt.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A53610248

They really seem to hate Hunt. He has a talent for getting under people's skin. Nice to see one of them saying that Doyle will probably be remembered as a true great of the club.

[seahawk]

They really seem to hate Hunt. He has a talent for getting under people's skin. Nice to see one of them saying that Doyle will probably be remembered as a true great of the club.

I don't hate Hunt, but after he said he was ready for a fresh start that ruined it for many Reading supporters. No one wants a player that doesn't want to be at your club.

I wish him well if he does leave.

[swinfordfc]

Signing for Wolves tomorrow ......

[Pauro 76]

I'm a little disappointed. Im sure Mick will do wonders for him, but really thought he'd have shown more ambition and gone for Fulham who are in Europe, but he'll do very well at Wolves who will surprise a few people.

[Duggie]

hopefully wolves will do well this season, as long as doyle is playing first team football im happy. gone of the boil a bit lately, i know hes had a few injuries tho.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Confirmed move to Wolves. Thought he'd go somewhere more established to be honest but glad to see the Wolves board giving Mick the type of backing he didn't get at Sunderland. Fingers crossed ut goes well for all parties.

[carloz]

They really seem to hate Hunt. He has a talent for getting under people's skin. Nice to see one of them saying that Doyle will probably be remembered as a true great of the club.

I know a few Reading fans and they all say that Hunt has been a disgrace since Christmas for them

[endabob1]

Hope it goes well for Doyle but you can't help feeling he should have sat tight, Villa, Everton, Fulham all rumoured to be interested and all 3 would have been better moves imho.

[DeLorean]

At least he'll be guaranteed his game at Wolves and I'd imagine McCarthy will be patient with him even through the lean spells. He'll be playing PL football all the way to the WC and if the PL is as bad next season as it was this, they'll have a real shot at staying up.

[Yard of Pace]

Quite happy about this move. If Wolves are going to be signing the calibre of player of Doyle then they have every chance of doing just as well as a team like Fulham. I feel any of the teams outisde the top 6 could struggle given a few bad results so this is as good a move as any.

That said, would've loved to see him move somewhere like Germany and be playing European football. I could imagine him being a big hit somewhere like that.

As regards Hunt, well, I think we all can agree he ain't the brightest and must've been upset he didn't get his move at Christmas. Interesting to see what happens for him this summer. After his performance in Bari.....well, wouldn't it be amusing to hear him attempt speaking Italian.

[Stuttgart88]

Didn't Mick buy Marcus Hahnemann from Reading recently? Good move as I have doubts about Hennessy in the EPL next year and I think that having an experienced back up to take the reigns if Hennessy has a wobble will be important. I don't think Hahnemann is actually that strong a keeper but he's good enough for a bottom half-team for whom nicking points in tight games is important.

[irishultra]

Who are Wolves wingers and are they any use? What kind of style do they play? Doyle needs a team that is creative and expansive if Wolves are a bland defensive team he will struggle for goals this season. Mick McCarthy is manager so I have hope.

[DeLorean]

They are definitely not defensive anyway

[gaiscíoch]

Who are Wolves wingers and are they any use? What kind of style do they play? Doyle needs a team that is creative and expansive if Wolves are a bland defensive team he will struggle for goals this season. Mick McCarthy is manager so I have hope.


Kightly is one of them, extremely good player. He would be in the freddie Ljungberg mould i.e not going to bust down the line but very intelligent with his runs.

I think Doyle could have gotten a better move. Think Wolves will really struggle this year.

Andy Keogh could play on the other wing and he has a good cross of a ball.

[Stuttgart88]

Isn't one of them Michael Kightly? Ex-non-league player but was generally recognised as one of the best in Championship. I can't recall the other but I know that both Foley and Ward (who has played LHM) are encouraged to get forward from full-back.

I'd like Manc's view, but I suspect the front two will be Ebanks-Blake and Doyle. Uwelumo (?) will drop to the bench and Keogh will have to work hard to figure. E-B and Doyle are probably better than many promoted teams have had upfront.

A ball-winning midfielder and a tough top flight centre-back are probably needed. Did Mick buy a CB recently?

With Reid returning to fitness Keith Andrews may struggle to get his place back at Blackburn. Even in reid's absence he finished the season at full back (maybe out of necessity, I don't know). I wonder could a return to Wolves be on the cards for Andrews?

[Razors left peg]

Im disgusted Doyle has gone to Wolves, hes much better than that

[gustavo]

If he was "much" better than Wolves , Much better clubs would have bid for him and he would have went there , They didn't so he didn't

[republicofwhite]

Likewise, so am I. Was really hoping he'd end up at Everton, Fulham or Villa. He must have an inkling to go straight back to the Championship. I reckon Wolves are a certainty to down. Don't think Ebanks Blake will make the step up and they have nothing at centre half or central midfield. Think they'll be torn apart. Its a terrible move, guaranteed first team football or not.

[Stuttgart88]

I wonder did he get assurances that Wolves would be spending this summer? Their owner, Steve Morgan, has pretty deep pockets.