Alfie May was full of pride after being named in the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One Team of the Season.
The striker, who currently leads the division’s scoring charts, has netted 20+ goals in each of his last three campaigns at Sky Bet League One level.
“I’ve probably been in and around the Team of the Season in the last couple of years and never made it,” May told CharltonTV at the EFL’s annual awards ceremony on Sunday evening. “I’ve found myself lucky this year to make the Team of the Season and, coming from where I’ve come from, it’s a massive achievement.
“I never thought I’d be in this situation and, listen, it’s the best situation to be in. I smile every day that I’m a pro footballer because there’s probably a lot of kids and people out there that don’t achieve this.
“That’s why I never take any day for granted - I turn up every day with a smile on my face, I work hard and I grab it with both hands because I know how important it is to me,” he explained. “Standing here in the Team of the Season, it’s a pinch-yourself moment really. I just want to carry on and keep scoring goals - that’s what I’m here to do.”
May remains in pole position for the 2023/24 Golden Boot accolade having netted 23 league goals so far this term. Portsmouth’s Colby Bishop, who currently has 20 goals to his name, is his nearest pursuer.
“When one of my friends comes to the games, he’s telling me if Colby Bishop’s scored or not scored,” said the 30-year-old. “There’s two games left and I’m probably putting a lot of pressure on myself, but I really want it.
“It’s a dream come true that I’ve come from non-League to here. There was a lot of pressure on me this season to score goals and I took that pressure in, dealt with it and I want to win the Golden Boot.
“For me as a player, I try and give my all for the fans,” he continued. “I remember my days in non-League when you’ve got a smaller fanbase and they follow you around each game and I knew how important it was. I was a working man myself - I was a builder - so I know they spend their hard-earned money to support you.”
Looking ahead to next season under Nathan Jones, the forward said: “Next year is going to be the one that I think everybody needs to look out for. We’ve got a gaffer now that has cemented the way that he wants us to play and I think the fans can see the foundations that we’re building at the minute. We’re now 13 unbeaten and we’re building for next year.
“Charlton fans want to see silverware," added May. "It’s a massive club in London and, as players, we know we’ve underachieved this year. The gaffer’s come in and he’s set something out that we’re going to be hard to beat. If you’ve got that in League One then you’re going to be successful."
Click here to secure your seat at The Valley for the 2024/25 campaign.
