Doyle pens new Blades contract

Published Sep. 20, 2012 3:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Sheffield United skipper Michael Doyle has signed a new three-year contract at Bramall Lane.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who joined the club from Coventry in January 2011, played a key role for the Blades last season when they reached the League One play-off final.

"I had a great time last season, it was the most enjoyable in my career to date, it was unfortunate the way it ended, but I feel I can play my part in getting this club back into the Championship at the very least," the Irishman told the club's official website.

"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'm fit and healthy, the club will still want me beyond this deal."

Manager Danny Wilson added: "This is a marker from the club that we want to look beyond the next six months or so, our long-term planning was to keep Michael tied down and this should send out great vibes."

Doyle, who started out at Celtic before spending eight years at Coventry and a year on loan at Leeds, has made a total of 76 appearances for the Blades.