Many strikers live long in the memory for their goalscoring exploits at EFL level, cult heroes that could singlehandedly change games with their deadly knack for hitting the target.
Eoin Doyle will be remembered in this way, the Irish striker announcing his retirement from football a matter of days ago after seeing out his career back in his native Ireland with St Patrick’s Athletic.
The 35-year-old managed to maintain his reputation as a feared forward over many spells in the EFL, whether it was being the leading man for Chesterfield or a clinical loanee during a short stay at Swindon Town.
Many could even say that Doyle is now an EFL legend, recognised as a hall-of-famer with 206 goals to his name over a colourful career.
Here are a few reasons why he will go down as a great for years to come…
Legend Status At Chesterfield
It could be argued that Eoin Doyle left his biggest mark on the EFL during his time at Chesterfield, securing legend status with the Spireites.
The Irish striker would instantly become a fan favourite at Chesterfield, scoring 11 goals during the 2013-14 season which culminated in his side lifting the League Two title.
He was only getting started however, helping his side – managed by Paul Cook at the time – do the unthinkable and reach the League One playoffs the season after their fourth tier title success with more goals.
He would net 21 goals from just 26 matches played in League One that campaign, even scoring back-to-back hat-tricks against Scunthorpe United and Preston North End early into that same season.
He would leave Chesterfield after this for Cardiff City in the Championship, but regardless, he will be remembered for his goalscoring prowess in Spireites blue.
Bolton Wanderers Promotion Hero
Doyle will also be fondly remembered by fans of Bolton Wanderers during his stay with the club, helping Bolton win promotion back up to League One when the club teetered on the brink.
He would score 19 goals for Ian Evatt’s side in the fourth tier, the 19th strike coming on the final day versus Crawley Town as a 4-1 victory away at the Red Devils clinched 3rd spot which sealed automatic promotion to the third tier.
Doyle would go on to score five more goals in League One for Bolton before moving back to Ireland, but he’ll be immortalised in Wanderers history as a key part of the squad that saw Bolton begin to turn their fortunes around.
Electric Loan Spell With Swindon Town
Bolton made Doyle their top transfer target off the back of an electric spell with Swindon Town, the Irish striker virtually unplayable at points when donning a Swindon strip.
He would net a staggering 23 goals in 22 loan appearances for the Robins before signing permanently, scoring 25 in total for his employers by the end of the 2019-20 season.
Doyle would even score in eleven consecutive matches whilst with Swindon, matching Jamie Vardy’s Leicester City record in the process.
Despite only playing 28 times in total for Swindon, he made a lasting impact on the Robins faithful.
Bright Spark At Oldham Athletic
After two goal-filled seasons with Chesterfield, Doyle struggled to translate this form to Championship football with both Preston North End and Cardiff City.
A loan spell at Portsmouth during the 2016-17 campaign was also underwhelming, the Irish attacker only scoring twice for his South Coast employers.
Moving to Oldham on loan the season after however saw Doyle back to his individual goalscoring best, even if the Latics struggled as a cohesive unit on the pitch – suffering relegation down to League Two.
He would score 16 times during a positive move to Boundary Park for Doyle, even wearing the captain’s armband for the Latics at points during this loan stay.
Individual And Team Accolades
Throughout his career, Doyle was constantly recognised for his goalscoring contributions in the EFL alongside lifting trophies with his respective sides.
Doyle was named in three different PFA Team Of The Years – the 2014-15 season saw him feature in the League One Team Of The Season with Chesterfield, whilst he secured spots back-to-back in the League Two Team Of The Season in 2019-20 and 2020-21 with Swindon and Bolton.
The 2019-20 season also saw him win two personal accolades after a fantastic season with Swindon, winning the golden boot and Player of the Year for the division. Player of the Month wins would also become commonplace, cementing his place as an EFL great.
Promotions would also become to feel routine for the Dubliner, securing promotion out of League Two four times in his career – lifting the fourth tier title three times over an impressive career.
An EFL Legend?
It’s clear that Doyle will be remembered as a great when the EFL is mentioned, the striker playing for a host of clubs up and down the Football League’s three divisions and scoring goals by the bucket load along the way.
Citing personal reasons for hanging up his boots, here’s hoping the now 35-year-old can enjoy his relaxation now that he’s retired away from the game.
As a Swindon supporter, Eoin will forever be held in the highest esteem by our fans. Fantastic professional, ultra fit, passionate and always helping and encouraging younger players. Superb human.