Former St Patrick's Athl. striker Kevin Doyle has challenged the long-held belief that the Premier League is the world's best, calling it "propaganda." Doyle's comments come in an interview with The 42, reflecting on his debut top-flight season with Reading in 2006/07, a period that saw the Saints alum score 10 goals by New Year's Day. His perspective arrives as his former League of Ireland club, St Patrick's Athletic, sits second in the Premier Division with 50 points from 28 games, just four points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers.
What did Kevin Doyle say about the Premier League?
Kevin Doyle, who began his career with St Patrick's Athletic and Cork City before moving to England, described the common narrative around the Premier League. "You spend years being told the Premier League is faster, stronger, that it’s the best league in the world, all propaganda, perpetuated by the people involved in it," he said. Doyle turned 23 shortly after the 2006/07 season began and quickly proved he belonged, scoring four minutes into his second game away at Aston Villa. He netted eight goals before Christmas and was level with Chelsea's Didier Drogba in the scoring charts at one stage.
How did Doyle's move to Reading happen?
Doyle's path to the Premier League started with a reported €80,000 release clause at Cork City. Reading's director of football Nicky Hammond and chief scout Brian McDermott, former colleagues of Doyle's Cork manager Pat Dolan from their Arsenal days, secured the signing. Doyle had scored 19 goals the season before Reading's record 106-point promotion from the Championship. McDermott also wanted to sign teenager Shane Long from Cork. Doyle's form at Reading earned him three improved contracts over 18 months amid reported interest from other clubs, though no move materialized.
What happened during Doyle's injury at Everton?
Doyle's promising first season was interrupted by a hamstring injury in January 2007 at Goodison Park. The incident had a surreal backdrop, with Sylvester Stallone in attendance and the Rocky theme played before the match. Doyle and teammate Stephen Hunt, who lived in the flat above him and was dating Doyle's cousin Joanne, had taken a new energy drink about 30 minutes prior. The injury kept Doyle out for three months, though he returned for the final month of the season. Reading's owner at the time, John Madjeski, had sold his Auto Trader company for £260 million and was friends with entertainer Cilla Black, who once visited the dressing room.
Where are St Patrick's Athletic now?
The current St Patrick's Athletic side is enjoying a superb run of form, providing a modern counterpoint to Doyle's historical reflections. The Saints are on a five-game winning streak and just beat Drogheda United 2-0. They have scored 45 goals this season while conceding only 23, giving them a +22 goal difference. Top scorer M. Melia has 13 goals in 35 appearances. The team prepares for its next fixtures at home against Waterford, who are eighth in the table. Fans can track the tight title race on the standings page, where the four-point gap to Shamrock Rovers is clear.
What was Doyle's life like off the pitch?
Life in Berkshire involved more than football. Doyle had a sponsorship deal with Puma. His partner during that first season was named Jenny. Teammates included midfielder Steve Sidwell, who earned a free transfer to Chelsea that summer and now co-hosts a podcast with Peter Crouch, and striker Dave Kitson, who later wrote as The Secret Footballer for The Guardian. Right-winger Glen Little was another key figure. Doyle's parents, Paddy and Bernie, supported his journey from Ireland. His old manager Pat Dolan had a unique rule for their conversations, saying, "The only rule was to not mention football at all." The current Saints squad, detailed on our squad page, will hope to continue their winning ways as they chase the league title.
