Captain Michael Doyle has apologised to Notts County manager Neal Ardley for his red card at Eastleigh and has vowed to “pay the club back in spades”.
The experienced former Coventry captain was sent off in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat after catching defender Reda Johnson in the face which has resulted in a three-match ban.
That was followed by another red card for defender Damien McCrory who was also given his marching orders for a 50/50 tackle that the club are now appealing.
Ardley said he could not argue with Doyle’s dismissal and will now lose the skipper for the games against Stockport, Barnet and Harrogate.
But he said the Magpies midfielder is desperate to atone for his error.
“Michael is gutted and annoyed with himself,” he said.
“The first thing he did this morning was that he pulled me and apologised.
“He feels like he has let us down.
“That’s the sign of a man. It’s gone now, but he cares and said that he would make sure that he pays me and the club back in spades.
“That’s all you can ask for.
“He made a mistake. He got blocked off, by the time his runner went, he reacted, threw his arm in the air and caught him in the face.
“He regretted it from the minute he did it and like I say, I don’t think he’s one of those who has two or three sendings off every season.
“I am sure it won’t happen again.”
