Luton wing-back Alfie Doughty has pledged his long-term future to Luton Town by signing a new contract and saying he loves the club and wants to help them get back to the Premier League.
The 24-year-old helped the Hatters win promotion to the top-flight last term and he became one of Town’s most highly-rated players in the division despite eventually getting relegated.
After four goals in 83 appearances, but many more assists, Doughty wants to help Luton return to the Premier League, because it’s a club he’s found a home at to revive his career after an injury-hit spell at Stoke City, where he arrived at Kenilworth Road just over two years ago.
“It’s a relief,” he told the club’s website after signing his new deal. “I’ve been trying to get this done, when I knew about my situation at the club and I wanted to stay, I want to get back into the Premier League with Luton, especially after this couple of years we’ve had. It’s my third year now, I love the club and I’m happy to stay.
“There is a lot that has happened in these last two seasons. Getting signed, having a rough start just because of injuries, then finding my feet again, playing and getting promoted – and then in the Premier League, it was a rollercoaster.
“It’s been brilliant and I can’t say enough about the club, it means a lot to me now. It started my career off again, having gone through a tough time, 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.”
Doughty has become a fan favourite while in the orange of Luton and he said of his bond with supporters: “It’s why you play football, isn’t it? They come here week in, week out. So hopefully this puts a smile on their faces because I love them, and they love us. It’s going to be a good feeling to hear the news.”
Manager Rob Edwards added: “This is very good news for the football club, and good news for Alfie as well.
“He’s worked really hard for it and what he’s got now is a commitment from us, that we are going to give him everything to keep improving, and he’s going to give us everything to try and get back to where we were last season.
“I think everyone has seen that Alfie is very motivated. Since pre-season began, there has been a high level of consistency from an out of possession point of view – his reactions when we lose the ball have been better than ever – and he’s created a lot of chances for us with it.
“It’s a big commitment from a big player for us, everyone knows how popular Alfie is with the fans and within the squad, and we are all delighted to get it sorted.”
