Matt Hobbs says the way Tommy Doyle has conducted himself off the pitch and his progression and potential on it make him the perfect fit for Wolves.
The midfielder’s loan move from Manchester City was made permanent this week and his new chapter will officially begin on 1st July, after a first season in the top flight for the youngster, which has seen him evolve into an important player for Gary O’Neil.
Patient for his opportunities before Christmas, Doyle’s minutes have increased since, and at just 22 and with a long-term Wolves contract ahead of him, Hobbs described the midfielder as a “fraction” of the player he’ll become in the future.
On making Doyle’s move permanent
“I don’t think it was a decision we ever thought we weren’t going to make. We never saw him as a player on loan and I don’t think he’s ever felt like that, and he hasn’t acted like that. There was a huge amount of inevitability to it. He’s already got a song which is nice for him and rarely happens that quick. For me, the football club, the manager, it was simple because we never felt like it wouldn’t happen.
“It was done outside the first-team dressing room, just a casual conversation to say we were going to send it, but I’ve spoken to him several times this season. It was very informal, as he’s a very casual and relaxed guy. He was delighted and can start planning, so it gives him time to settle over the off season. He knows early and it was important for him to know that we want him to finish the season feeling like he’s an important player for next season. To be honest, we could have done this months ago, but it was about finding the right time.”
On embracing the whole club
“He’s a really humble guy. He buys into who we are as a club and what we’re trying to create culturally within the group. He’s a great player to have for what we’re trying to achieve off the pitch and he gives us so much on the pitch, so he’s an ideal player that I think Wolves should be signing.”
On his progression since arriving
“I’m sure Tommy, like all players, would like to play more because every player does, but if you look at how it’s gone for him and how he’s gradually earned more minutes and become more important, I think that’s an ideal first year. His challenge will be to cement his place, he’ll have to fight for it like everyone else and it’s an area of the pitch we’re lucky with. How this year’s panned out, with the minutes he’s had and his importance, it’s been perfect.
“Tommy’s earned trust through the performances he’s given. Gary trusts everyone and he’ll give everyone opportunities, then it’s up to them to take it and earn trust off the back of it. Gary’s [O’Neil] shown his trust in him, but Tommy’s shown day in, day out through his training and his attitude that he’s easy to trust.”
On bringing different qualities
“I’m not one for comparing players, but he’s probably as close to Ruben [Neves] as we’ve got in the group with his passing range and his ability to strike dead balls. Tommy has a different range of passing, so whether we’re playing against a team who dominate the ball or if we’re going to have a lot of the ball, across our midfielders, we’re really fortunate to have them.”
On showing patience when arriving
“It can’t be easy for a player, because they just want to play. They’re competitive people and Tommy is one of the most competitive, but he handled the frustration with real class and waited and took the minutes he got in that early period. To get a song when you’re on loan probably shows how much the fans have bought into him. What he offers to the central midfield players is something different to the others. We spoke about balance and units, and he’s perfect for that.
“He’s a very mature and obviously had a very good football education at Man City and England. He’s always been an important player in every group and a leader, and you can see that side, that maturity and level-headedness. That’s probably where the ability to stay patient has come from. I can’t speak highly enough of him, with how he’s handled himself off the pitch, but also around the boys and on it – I’ve been super impressed with him.”
On Doyle’s future with Wolves
“If you look at the type of players we like to sign as a football club, they generally haven’t reached their ceiling yet and have loads more to come. Tommy is another player in that age bracket and he’s a fraction of the player he will be, with the more he gets used to the league and the greater his understanding gets. I’m really excited for now but also his future at Wolves.”
