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League One: Michael Doyle is still Sheffield United skipper, says Nigel Clough

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 13:  Nigel Clough, manager of Sheffield United looks on prior to the FA Cup with Budweiser semi-final match between Hull City and S
Image: Nigel Clough: Keeping Michael Doyle as captain

Nigel Clough has insisted that Michael Doyle remains captain of Sheffield United, after Michael Higdon wore the armband against Bristol City.

Clough says he has been impressed by Higdon’s attitude since his summer arrival from Dutch club NEC Nijmegen.

Doyle, meanwhile, was named on the substitutes’ bench at the weekend, but Clough insists that he will stay as club skipper.

“Michael is still the captain,” Clough said in the Sheffield Star.

“He’s not had it taken off him but he can’t wear it if he isn’t out there on the pitch.

“We gave it to Michael because we like what we’ve seen since he came in. 

“There weren’t too many other candidates as a lot of the lads were either young or playing their first game but he’s got the experience and he took his responsibilities well.

“Mark Howard was the next candidate but goalkeepers are often a long way away from the action so that’s why we went with Michael instead.”

Clough has not ruled out making further signings in the transfer window but admits the club may have to think about spending less heavily and put greater faith in their young players.

Louis Reed, aged 17, started the meeting against City and Clough said: “This club has thrown a lot of money at things in the past and it’s not always worked. 

“Perhaps now it’s time to take a different route and give some of the excellent young lads we’ve got here a chance. That might be what we’ll do.

“We’ll keep making approaches and putting in bids but there’s an opportunity there for them.”

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