Gary O’Neil made Tommy Doyle very happy during Wolves’ pre-season tour of the United States.
Wolves had a successful period in the United States as the Old Gold secured two wins from three on their pre-season tour.
Gary O’Neil has a lot of positives to take from his squad’s non-competitive action ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
One player who left the States with a smile on his face was Tommy Doyle, who expressed his gratitude to O’Neil for one thing he did this summer.
Tommy Doyle opens up on being Wolves captain during pre-season
Following Max Kilman’s exit to West Ham, O’Neil was handed the task of naming a new captain, a task that ultimately wasn’t difficult.
Mario Lemina was named club captain, with the Gabon international being the perfect candidate to take the armband.
During pre-season, the subject of vice-captain was raised, with the manager handing Doyle the armband at times during Wolves’ pre-season tour when Lemina wasn’t on the pitch.
Speaking to Express and Star, Doyle opened up about how it felt to lead the team out in the States.
“I was so proud, I’ve had the armband in every game at some point and it’s a special thing for me, it shows that the lads and the management team trust me to have the armband, which is an amazing feeling.”
O’Neil expressed his delight for Doyle after taking the armband, admitting that he hasn’t made a decision on vice-captain but named several candidates, including the 22-year-old.
“I think I have good leadership skills. Obviously, I am young but I don’t really think that matters,” Doyle said.
“It’s a proud feeling and hopefully we can take these feelings into the season and push on.
“It’s nice to have that for such a massive club and it feels really good.”
Doyle will be eyeing a strong season at Molineux
Aside from wearing the armband, pre-season was a high for Doyle who was given the license to show his worth in midfield at Wolves.
Last term was trialling for the Manchester City academy graduate, as game time became hard to come by due to the prominence of Joao Gomes and Lemina in midfield.
Now that O’Neil has opened his advanced positions up by reverting to a back four, players with a creative edge such as Doyle could get a greater chance to impress.
In what will be his first season away from City, the Englishman could take off under O’Neil as many of his teammates did during the 2023/24 campaign.