Doyle: I promised Big Mick I’d stay

KEVIN DOYLE has revealed he agreed to sign a new contract at Wolves back in July after finally ending speculation about his future yesterday.

The Republic of Ireland striker yesterday signed a four-year contract at the club, a deal that will keep him at Molineux until 2015.

The 28-year-old, who cost a then club-record £6.5 million (€7.4m) in June 2009, has again been the subject of interest as he entered the final two years of his existing deal, but the striker said yesterday that leaving was never on the agenda,

Arsenal, Juventus and Liverpool were linked with Doyle during the summer but the former Reading striker had already given his word to Wolves boss Mick McCarthy.

“I’m delighted to have signed the new contract,’’ Doyle told the Wolves club website.

“I don’t really think there was anything in the speculation this summer. I spoke to the gaffer on the first day of pre-season when we talked about this contract and I was keen to get it done.

“It’s been agreed for a while between myself and the manager — it was just a case of everything getting sorted.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and am very happy to have signed the deal.”

Doyle, who has scored 18 goals in 74 appearances for the club, added: “From the day I arrived I have settled at Wolves and everything has felt right. It’s been exciting first of all staying up and then doing it again last year, even if it’s also been very nerve-wracking at times.

“There have been setbacks along the way but it’s also been a successful time and I think the club has always moved forward which is the most important thing.

“When you look what’s being done with the stadium and the plans for the training ground, you can see a long-term plan which is exciting to be part of.

“The new stand already looks fantastic and it’s only halfway there while there are plans to improve the others as well which should really make this a great place to be.

“There’s a real feeling the club is going places and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. Hopefully, in four years, we will see Wolves consolidated in the top division.”

McCarthy said he is delighted the former Cork City man decided commit his long-term future to the club.

“It’s great news that Kevin has signed the new contract and his future is now secured for another four years,” McCarthy said.

“He has been a key player for us in maintaining our Premier League status over the last two seasons when he has made a major contribution.

“From day one when he arrived he settled at the club and has been the consummate professional in the way he plays and also conducts himself off the pitch. He remains a big part of what we are trying to achieve here, and we are delighted that he has agreed to extend his stay.”