Wellens remaining tight-lipped on future of Eoin Doyle at SN1

SWINDON TOWN manager Richie Wellens is remaining tight-lipped on the future of goalscorer Eoin Doyle as the opening of the mid-season transfer window edges ever nearer. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to Wellens about Doyle’s situation.

Since arriving at Swindon Town on-loan at the start of the season, Eoin Doyle has established himself as the league’s most potent goalscorer, finding the net a league-high 14 times and helping to take Swindon to just one point off of top of the table. 

However nervy times are looming for Swindon supporters with Doyle’s parent-club and division rivals Bradford City having the option to recall the Irishman to their side in January. 

Speaking at the weekend, Wellens revealed that there has been contact from Bradford but no decision has been made about his future. 

“They have had dialogue with us,” said Wellens. 

“They told us we couldn’t play Doyle in the FA Cup match. 

“The Doyle situation is that he can’t play for any other club. 

“He either plays for us or he plays for Bradford. 

“It’s not like someone else can come in and tear his contract up or give him a new deal because that’s not allowed,” he added. 

Should Doyle, 31, be recalled to Bradford in the upcoming transfer window then it would represent a huge blow to Swindon’s season progression with the club facing the daunting task of replacing such a potent striker. 

Wellens however admitted that circumstances surrounding Doyle’s time at Bradford in seasons past make it likely the forward will continue his stay at SN1. 

“It wasn’t going well for him at Bradford last season. They got relegated and he wasn’t in the team at the start of the season or pre-season and he wasn’t playing,” said Wellens. 

“It wasn’t going well for him again and so Bradford took a decision to free up some money and get him out the door. 

“They picked other players and got some new names in at the club and we respect that decision,” he added. 

“We took Doyley on board and would love to keep him for the season. 

“We’ll see where he goes and what happens,” stated Wellens. 

Swindon Town are back in action tomorrow evening as they travel to Bristol Rovers in the Leasing.com trophy.