Rams set to offer Doyle a two-year contract
DERBY County hope to sign 18-year-old American forward Conor Doyle on a two-year deal this week.
Doyle has played in the Rams' four friendlies of pre-season and he has impressed manager Nigel Clough.
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Conor Doyle
He was due to return to the United States yesterday but will now stay with the Rams.
"We have talked to Conor, and his mum and dad, and we will try to get something sorted out in the next couple of days," said Clough.
Doyle is from Texas and is currently on a scholarship at Creighton University in Nebraska.
He has played for Dallas Texans at youth level.
"Conor would have to give up his scholarship to become a professional footballer here, which is a big decision for him and his parents," said Clough.
"He has worked very hard for that three or four-year scholarship but he is willing to give football a go.
"We will try to see if we can do anything for his education here and make sure he is looked after.
"He is only 18 but when he plays he doesn't look 18. It is incredible the way he has slotted in."
Doyle played 45 minutes against Burton Albion and Southend United, a full game in the draw at Bournemouth and he started and scored in Saturday's victory at Chesterfield.
"We just played him at Burton because we wanted to put two teams out and we were stretched in terms of numbers," said Clough. "He did well and has played in all the games since. He has been in and around the first team and has not looked out of place.
"Hopefully we can get him on a two-year contract this week.
"We are just making sure there is no compensation issue with his earlier clubs but we don't think there are.
"He is not connected to a club at the moment but he has played youth soccer in America."
Doyle has an Irish passport and so there should be no issues regarding a work permit.
His father, David, was born in Dublin and spent 17 seasons playing indoor soccer in the United States for Kansas City Comets, Dallas Sidekicks, St Louis Ambush and Wichita Wings.
He was named Major Indoor League Rookie of the Year in 1987-8, was twice the league's leading scorer and a regular in the All Star team.
Derby remain interested in Ilkeston Town striker Amari Morgan-Smith.
The 21-year-old played in the friendlies at Burton, Southend and Bournemouth.
"We are having a chat with Ilkeston this week to see if there is a deal to be done there," said Clough.
"Amari has done well, he has impressed us.
"We will look to pursue that but the deal would have to be right for us."
Doyle and Morgan-Smith are of an age where they fit into Derby's development squad, the group of players between 18 and 21.
Clough feels there is a void between the Academy players and the first team.
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by Jason, Derby
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 4:50PM
“What negativity. Sounds like they played some good stuff and beat Stoke so what's your problem?
As for you Mr Yankee, Derbyshire any day...one of the most beautiful places on the planet and that includes the sheep before you start gobbing off Billy Dwarf.”
by King_Billy_Davies, City Ground
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 6:06AM
“Looks like Nigel is putting a real dream team together i,d have a tenner on him winning the blue square premier league this season with this team!”
by George Cross, Derby
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 11:09PM
“Clough needs to ditch that idiot Crosby and find himself a Peter Taylor.
When are we going to see some real signings instead of the pants we have so far.”
by Kevin, Denver, CO, USA
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 4:40PM
“Hmm, Derbyshire or Omaha, Nebraska? Tough decision. haha”
by Moot, Derby
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 4:38PM
“Sounds good. Although I think there's quite a few things Rams related that we will disagree on.”
by Steve, Derby
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 4:18PM
“I think we are having a violent agreement”
by Moot, Derby
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 3:32PM
“Ok £20k I said £40k as top end figure and there is my point.
Surely if Nigel has confidence in his ability to pick and develop a player then £20k is peanuts if he turns him into a first team player given time.
In what way would the deal be wrong for us?
We pay £20k and he the player fails to deliver. Well at least we tried and only spent £20k.
If Nigel has a such a good eye for a player and can develop then then £20k is great business. Is it not???
This is one of my problems with Nigel he comes across as being so negative.”
by Steve, Derby
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 3:02PM
“I was using a silly figure to demonstate my point !!
I would argue £40,000 is too much but would take a punt @ £20k”
by Moot, Derby
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 1:18PM
“"If Ilkeston asked £2m" are you serious or being ironic.
If Clough rates him then why not go for him??????
I would suggest that Ilson would not even ask for anywhere near £100k, more like £40,000 and a bag of chips.
But I spose the £40,000 would be the deal breaker. Bag of chips. No probs.”
by Steve, Derby
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 1:13PM
“Moot, Clough rightly says we are interested if the deal is right for the club he doesn't say we can't afford a deal. If Ilkeston ask £2m would you think that is a good deal for Derby?”