BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Alloa favourite Michael Doyle reckons quiet man Michael Chopra has the contacts and knowledge to be a big noise as Wasps boss.
The former Newcastle and Sunderland striker, who has accrued £10 million in transfer fees during a journeyman career, is a shock candidate for the vacancy after throwing his hat into the ring.
While the 31-year-old’s application has shocked many, Doyle reckons Chopra is deadly serious about the post and believes he would bring a wealth of experience to the role.
Doyle told Capital City Press: “He’s not the oldest and is quite a quiet character – but, make no mistake, he knows a lot about football and has plenty of contacts in the game.
“He has played under some great managers and when you speak to him one-on-one, he is great at giving you advice and little pointers on where you can improve.
“When we have spoken about things as a squad, when result haven’t been going our way, Chops is one of the first to speak up. He’s a quiet lad, but is not shy of an opinion when it’s needed.
“He’s an experienced player, has done well at the top level and, ff he gets the job, I think he would do well. I can understand why he has put his name forward for it.”
Doyle readily admits that it has been a traumatic week for the Wasps following the departure of Danny Lennon on Monday evening.
The players had no idea the former St Mirren gaffer was ready to walk – and Doyle found out about his resignation via Facebook. Some players even reported for training the following day unaware that Lennon had left.
Doyle concedes the manner of the manager’s exit affected the players during their 5-0 defeat to Dumbarton in midweek, which was their eighth loss on the bounce.
He continued: “Danny leaving was a real shock to us. We were in training on Sunday morning and nothing was said about it. He was as positive as ever, despite the result on Saturday.
“Then on the Monday night we found out that he had decided to resign. It meant the feeling in the camp wasn’t the best going into Tuesday’s game and that was reflected in the result.
“I know we are professionals, but we are only human and things like that affect you.
“I actually found out about Danny Lennon through Facebook. I think the gaffer wanted to let us know personally but, with social media and things, nothing stays quiet for long.
“We went in for training on Tuesday and some of the boys didn’t even know the manager had left. It was a difficult scenario. Danny was a great manager and coach – I think all the boys will agree with that – but he obviously felt a change was needed.”
However, with a few days to process the upheaval and caretaker boss Paddy Connolly in charge, Doyle expects a more respectable showing at Livingston today.
He added: “We’ve had more time to deal with things, and Paddy will work with us for a few days, so hopefully we can get a much-needed result against Livingston.”
