Tommy Doyle was part of the exodus at Wolves in the 2025 summer window, as he joined Birmingham City on loan.
Tommy Doyle had a frustrating 2024/25 campaign in which he spent most of his time warming the bench, as Joao Gomes and Andre were playing ahead of him.
Doyle had been hoping to kick on after doing fairly well during his loan spell in 2023/24. But he just didn’t get the regular minutes he wanted under Gary O’Neil, and then barely featured at all when Vitor Pereira came in.
As such, Wolves decided to loan Doyle out to Birmingham.
His move to Blues was seen as great for all parties, and there is also a clause in place for Birmingham to sign Doyle permanently for £10 million if they achieve promotion to the Premier League.
But that is already looking unlikely, with Birmingham currently 17th in the Championship.
With Doyle not playing for Wolves last season it is important that he takes the pitch as often as possible this term – but that is yet to happen, much to the annoyance of Blues fans.
Birmingham fans annoyed at Tommy Doyle’s lack of minutes
So far this season, Doyle has made 12 appearances for Birmingham, but for just 378 minutes of time on the pitch.
So far, Doyle has started just twice in the Championship and twice in the Carabao Cup, and has regularly entered the action as a second-half substitute.
With Birmingham having struggled this term, some fans are not best pleased about Doyle’s lack of minutes up to now.
@scookie95: “What has Tommy Doyle gotta do to start? #bcfc”
@_J_MT_: “Thought this lad would be our player of the season, really didn’t see Davies not rating him being stuck on the bench. I like Leonard but Doyle plays that role better even if its not his primary position.”
@Legit_Baz42: “I’m a staunch Chris Davies supporter but, him not selecting Tommy Doyle is a baffling decision.. He’s been one of the more standout players this season when he has been played and he is continually overlooked.. Not sure what’s going on there. #BCFC
@talkk_champ: “Birmingham fans at what point does Chris Davies’ position come under threat? Been very underwhelming so far with big expectations returning to the Champ. Some odd tactical and personnel decisions recently, like leaving out Tommy Doyle. Flattering to deceive thus far.”
What Birmingham manager Chris Davies has said about Tommy Doyle
Wolves officials will likely be slightly disappointed by Doyle’s lack of minutes so far this season.
Birmingham manager Chris Davies actually spoke about Doyle this weekend, and from his comments, it’s clear that the Wolves man is far from guaranteed regular minutes.
He said (via Birmingham Mail): “I think he’s a six by trade, he’s not a 10 by nature, especially with the way that I play the 10 with a lot of jumping to press and make runs in behind.
“He’s a footballer that gets on the ball and tries to make you play. He’s a six that can play as an eight, I would say.
“That’s where I see him more and he knows that, I’ve spoken to him about that.
“At times I’ve played him as a 10 because I didn’t want to take Paik or Iwata out of there.
“When Iwata went out, I thought Leonard is the more natural defensive one that gives us the balance in there. I’d say Tommy is a six/eight.
“As I’ve said to Tommy there is plenty of football there for him as well, it’s just a case of keep earning it in training and in the opportunities that you do get.
“He is a player that does catch the eye with how he plays but within all this, what I have to do as a manager is think about the whole balance of the team.”