Rob Edwards has barely had time to unpack his office at Molineux, but he may soon be reaching for the phone to Birmingham City. The new Wolves boss is reportedly an admirer of Tommy Doyle and could cut short the 24-year-old’s loan spell as early as January. This situation serves as a reminder that in football, loans can sometimes feel like library books; you think you have them for the term, but suddenly there’s a fine or a recall.
Doyle’s Development Journey
Tommy Doyle’s journey is a fascinating case study in modern player development. Coming through the ranks at Manchester City, he made an impression during his loan at Wolves, leading to a permanent deal under Gary O’Neil. However, instead of settling at Molineux, Doyle returned to Birmingham on loan this summer. With Edwards now at the helm, there’s a chance he could be heading back to Wolves once more.
- Birmingham’s Situation: Birmingham has relied on Doyle in their last four matches as Chris Davies tries to guide the club toward a play-off push from their current 11th place in the Championship. There are whispers that Davies’ job is under scrutiny, and should things not improve, O’Neil may be the candidate to take over.
Wolves’ Struggles and Transfer Targets
At Wolves, the situation is more concerning. With only two points from eleven Premier League games, they find themselves at the bottom of the table. Edwards has hinted at shifting his transfer focus back toward players with Premier League experience. This strategy is vital when facing the threat of relegation; seasoned players can help navigate difficult times.
- Potential Signings: Names circulating in the Molineux boardroom include:
- Dwight McNeil from Everton
- Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City
Both players have struggled for first-team opportunities at their current clubs but bring proven experience at the highest level. Additionally, Wolves are looking to bolster their attack to support Jorgen Strand Larsen. The club showed interest in signing Troy Parrott last summer, and given the Ireland striker’s recent form, that interest could be revived.
A Busy January Ahead
In January, several moving parts—Doyle’s potential return, new signings, and the managerial merry-go-round—will come together like pieces of a puzzle. If Edwards can fit these pieces together effectively, Wolves might just escape the relegation zone. Conversely, if Birmingham loses Doyle but secures a new manager in O’Neil, they could gain momentum.
In football, as in betting, the smart strategy is to think several moves ahead. Fortunately, you don’t need a crystal ball to see that January promises to be a busy month.