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The club is delighted to announce that full-back Michael Doyle has agreed a contract extension and will now remain at Balmoral Stadium until the summer of 2025.

Mikey joined Cove Rangers at the end of October, playing initially as a trialist in the victory over Queen of the South at Palmerston, and the team went on to win each of his first seven games.

He has now made thirteen appearances, scoring his first Cove goal in the Scottish Cup success at Stirling Albion, and has become an important figure in the squad.

The thirty-two year old says he had no doubts about extending his stay with the club:

“Absolutely none, there’s been a bit of back and fore with the gaffer and the Chairman over the past two weeks, but when they offered me the deal, I was delighted to stay. I’ve spoken with both about what they’re looking for me to do over the next couple of years, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. I feel as if I’m here to help the club build something.

“Two months ago, I was thinking I might never play football again; the hard work I put in over the summer has definitely paid off.

“It’s great to have certainty now. These kind of deals can be few and far between at this stage of your career, which is daft, because I’m probably fitter now that I’ve ever been.”

Manager Paul Hartley sees the move as an important one, identifying Mikey as an influential character, one who can play a big role going forward:

“I’ve known Doyley a long time, going all the way back to our time together at Alloa, and I’m pleased we have got him tied-up. He’s a good professional, he sets standards, and he is very demanding; exactly the sort of character you need in your squad.

“I can trust him out on the pitch, you hear him all the time encouraging his team-mates, and he’s a consistent, reliable performer. I have no doubt he will be a big part of what we do over the next couple of years.”

Having suffered a serious injury in the close season, the full-back faced an uncertain future, so he was pleased to have been given the opportunity to prove his worth. It is a decision he says he has never regretted:

“I’m actually enjoying it more than I thought I might, the travelling isn’t too bad at all, and I’m excited by the manager’s plans, the signings he’s hoping to make. I’ve done this journey before with Alloa and Queen’s Park, I know the play-offs and I’ve got a decent record in them, anything can happen, so that’s got to be our target for the rest of the season.

“It’s important to be happy at your work, and when you find a good fit, there’s a lot to be said for that. It doesn’t take me long to settle in, the kind of character I am – as you know I’m pretty mad – but they’re a great bunch of boys here; they have fun in the changing room, but they work hard when they need to.

“I treat every training session like a game and that’s the attitude you need. You’ve got to enjoy your football, and I’m certainly still loving it.”

Mikey also believes he can help the younger, less experienced members in the squad:

“One hundred percent! I look to be an influence both on and off the park; it’s about keeping the standards up. I learned from the older players when I was coming through, and now I try to pass my knowledge on.

“It’s about getting the best you can out of the squad and I’m attempting to play my part in that. I’m excited to see the young players develop and what we can do together over the next couple of years.”

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