If nobody expected the Hatters to win promotion from the Championship in 2023, fewer still imagined their bit-part utility man would be lionised on Match of the Day.
"Quite magnificent," was how pundit Martin Keown described a player who created more top-flight chances than Kevin De Bruyne last season.
Doughty eventually finished ninth in that particular metric, his tally of 70 (including eight assists) just two behind Chelsea star Cole Palmer and three adrift of Manchester City's Phil Foden.
What made Doughty's sudden emergence so incredible was not a lack of quality; that had been evident from his early days at Charlton, where he made his professional debut as an 18-year-old in 2018.
"Just outstanding," said former Addicks boss Lee Bowyer after Doughty had provided an assist against Sheffield Wednesday on his first-ever league start.
"He was playing against some of the best wingers in the division and he was excellent from start to finish.
This story is from the December 01, 2024 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 01, 2024 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RAVENS FLY TO STORMY SUCCESS
ANDY Woodman admitted Bromley's win over Accrington is a game his victorious side 'will never watch back again'.
U'S TAME THE A FAST START
GARETH Ainsworth was dismayed with Shrewsbury's defending as his side were beaten by a rampant Cambridge, in a game which included a goal in the first minute of both halves.
SUPER BLUES' JAY AT DOUBLE
JAY STANSFIELD bagged the plaudits for Birmingham with a brace as they hit back to beat ten-man Barnsley in front of 5,000 travelling fans at Oakwell.
MATT'S ODE TO JOY FOR DETERMINED CHAIRBOYS
Royals in recovery with boss departed
IT JUST EXPLODED OUT OF NOWHERE - IT WAS WILD!
SHEFFIELD United v West Brom? For fans of a certain vintage, it's a fixture that can only conjure one memory.
ROHL RAGES WITH HIS SLOPPY OWLS
DANNY Rohl ripped into his Sheffield Wednesday side after they were held at home by Preston.
ACE KEEPER KAMINSKI IS THE BIG DIFFERENCE
LUKE Williams insisted that his Swansea City side could well have left with all three points after being denied victory by home keeper Thomas Kaminski.
Kolli is Marti's new Ray of sunshine
PROUD QPR boss Marti Cifuentes is hoping Rayan Kolli's maiden senior goals prove to be \"the first of many\" after the youngster played a starring role in the victory over Norwich.
FIRST WIN FOR FRANK AS LIONS ARE TAMED
COVENTRY head coach Frank Lampard felt his players took the game by the scruff of the neck after half-time the Sky Blues.
EUSTACE SALUTES BATTLING ROVERS
But a lot to ponder for Selles
