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'Bad moment' to team of the season – Doyle's turnaround

by Luna
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Callum Doyle smiles as he celebrates after scoring against Chelsea in the FA Cup
Callum Doyle had loan spells at Sunderland, Coventry, Leicester and Norwich before joining Wrexham [Getty Images]

Defender Callum Doyle has been a key member of the Wrexham team bidding for the Championship play-offs.

The 22-year-old has played in 36 games in all competitions this season, including 26 successive matches.

His performances have been recognised with a spot in the Championship team of the season, one he describes as a "massive honour".

But Doyle acknowledges that life at the Stok Cae Ras did not get off to the best of starts.

Back in October the 22-year-old former Manchester City youngster was featuring in only his eighth game for his new club following a late summer move.

In the second half at home to Oxford – a game Wrexham won 1-0 – he was shown a straight red card during the second half of the match.

"It's one of those moments that it's a bad moment," Doyle said.

"But, in the grand scheme of things it's not so bad of how I've changed my attitude towards training.

"And it's been good for me since that point."

The sending off proved to be a blessing and a turning point for Doyle's season.

Doyle's enforced absence was an opportunity that manager Phil Parkinson and his coaching team used to work with the Manchester-born defender.

"He came in and missed a lot of pre-season, so it took us a while to get him up to speed," said Parkinson.

"When he got sent off, it was a chance for us to pull him away and do work with him and almost give him a mini pre-season and get him to where he needed to be.

"But I think everybody can see what a class player Callum is.

"He's got a lot of experience for someone so young and the aim is for him now to finish his season strongly."

Oxford United's Siriki Dembele is in the air with Callum Doyle sliding across the pitch after a tackle
Callum Doyle received a straight red card for for a sliding challenge on Oxford United's Siriki Dembele. [Getty Images]

Doyle is grateful for the support of Wrexham's staff, and team-mates, during those difficult opening weeks of the season.

He had arrived at the newly-promoted Championship club in mid-August, two league games into the new campaign.

"You know, at the start, I did struggle," Doyle admited.

"At the start it wasn't the best and at the time I was a bit down.

"But since then I think I've improved a lot and I think everyone can see around the building that my mood's changed."

And the former England Under-21 international recognises the improvements that have come from working closely with Wrexham's coaching team.

"It helps with the staff pushing me every day, working with me, improving me, day in, day out," added Doyle.

"I just talk to them, little chats just in training, just to keep me going and confident.

"And I'm thankful that it's worked out this season.

"And, you know, it helps that we've got a really good bunch of lads that are helping me along the way as well."

A graduate of the Manchester City academy, Doyle did not make a senior appearance for the Citizens prior to his move to Wrexham last summer.

He had, however, enjoyed promotions during loan spells with Sunderland and Leicester – something he is hoping to achieve with Wrexham.

Wrexham are two points off the play-offs with three games remaining, beginning with an away trip to Oxford United on Tuesday.

"Getting promoted is probably one of the best feelings in football," Doyle said.

"The Championship this year, you know, it's tough. Everything's so tight, especially now. We've got to focus on ourselves at the moment – big three games to go.

"We've just got to keep going, keep doing what we're doing – keep just trying our hardest and putting the effort in.

"We've got to go for it and I think the fans will help with that, especially the travelling fans."

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