City legend Doyle dies

Manchester City legend Michael Doyle has passed away after several weeks battling liver failure. He was 64.

Doyle made more than 500 appearances for the Sky Blues as a midfielder and defender, scoring 40 goals in a 13-year stint from 1965 to 1978.

The former captain was beloved by fans for his sometimes unorthodox methods, his fearsome attitude on the pitch and his hatred of Manchester United.

He won the Division One title, the FA Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup twice with City, including once as captain in 1976.

Doyle was capped five times for England towards the end of his tenure with the Sky Blues, following which he spent time with Stoke City, Bolton Wanderers and finally Rochdale.

He hung up his boots at the end of the 1983/84 campaign, but was still a regular at Manchester City games well into his retirement years.

Sadly, he did not live to see the club play out its maiden Champions League campaign as the cumulative effects of a long-term drinking problem finally took their toll.

The 64-year-old had spent several weeks at Tameside Hospital before passing, according to his son, Scott.

“He was a great footballer, playing hundreds of games for City and England, but to me and the family he was our fantastic dad,” Scott told the Manchester Evening News.

Doyle is survived by Cheryl, his wife of 43 years, children Grant, Scott, Stephanie and Natalie and six grandchildren.