Former Manchester City and England defender Mike Doyle has passed away at the age of 64.
Legendary defender dies at the age of 64
Former Manchester City and England defender Mike Doyle has passed away at the age of 64.
Born and raised in Manchester, Doyle made over 500 appearances for City between 1962 and 1978.
Between 1968 and 1970 he helped the club to the First Division title, FA Cup glory and League Cup success.
He was also an integral part of the Blues side that lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970.
Doyle then captained City to a second League Cup success in 1976.
A commanding figure who was capable of occupying various positions across the back four and more advanced roles when required, Doyle also won five caps for his country.
"Manchester City is deeply saddened to hear that Mike Doyle has passed away aged 64," read a statement on the club's
official website.
"Everyone at the club extends their deepest condolences to Mike's family."
After leaving City in 1978, Doyle went on to play for Stoke, Bolton and Rochdale.
Born winner
Dennis Tueart, who scored the winning goal for City in the 1976 final, told
Sky Sports News: "It was a great shock this morning - I didn't know he was ill.
"Asa Hartford, another one of my colleagues in the 1976 team, texted me to give me the news and it is very sad.
"Mike was a born winner. He had two periods really as a great player for Manchester City.
"He was one of the younger players in the Joe Mercer-Malcolm Allison era, but when I came in 1974 he then became my captain and there was no question, he was a fantastic leader on the field.
"The one thing Mike wanted to do was win games for Manchester City.
"At the end of the game when the final whistle went he went straight across to the Manchester City supporters to acknowledge their support and (it showed) the feeling he had for the club.
"I know I got all the praise for the winning goal, but in my mind Mike was our player of the match, without question."
