After putting pen to paper on a new contract to extend his stay at Kenilworth Road, Alfie Doughty signalled his intention to return to the Premier League with Luton Town.
The former Charlton and Stoke flyer spoke about wanting to return to the top-flight, where he shone last season as the Hatters fought valiantly, but ultimately unsuccessfully, against the drop.
Now he is targeting a second Championship promotion in his three seasons at the club, saying: “Even without the contract being signed, my main aim was that.
“But with them now sorting this out and my commitment to the club, I want to keep going – it’s always been there, always been my aim really. Now this just means it’s that extra bit special, I guess.”
Stunning goals have been a trademark of Alfie’s Luton career so far, with a stunning half-volley to get him off the mark at QPR in December 2022, three free-kicks and a direct dribble and nutmeg of the keeper for his first Premier League goal at Sheffield United last Boxing Day.
His best? “The QPR one I really enjoyed, just because 3-0, we were fighting for promotion and it was just a nice feeling to be 3-0 up on 80 minutes, and we could kind of coast now for the rest of the game.
“The Gillingham one was quite special, I did enjoy that. But then again, most of my goals that I’ve scored here have been quite nice. The two Premier League goals and the Sunderland away, that was a big goal purely in the state of the season, but I’d say the Gillingham one.”
Without doubt, the main headlines have been earned with his assists for team-mates – with Alfie by far and away the player with the most crosses made in the Premier League last season, his 340 way ahead of Brighton’s Parscal Groß (238) and Everton’s Dwight McNeil (229).
“You’ve got your jobs in this game, and mine is providing for the team,” said the 24-year-old. “I’ve always wanted to do my bit for the team and play every single week, so it is a nice feeling and again, this club means a lot to me now.
“It started my career off again, having gone through a tough time before, so there’s no reason why I wouldn’t have signed this contract. I’m happy now and I want to kick on even more.”