Alfie Doughty expressed his gratitude and surprise after being named Young Player of the Year on Monday afternoon.
The 20-year-old claimed the award having won the vote from Valley Gold members. However, Doughty told cafc.co.uk that he was surprised to win the award ahead of his fellow youngsters.
He said: “I wasn’t expecting to get it to be honest. There’s a load of us that deserved it. Albie (Morgan), George (Lapslie) and Josh (Davison) have all played well and deserved it too.”
Doughty spent time on loan at Bromley in the National League earlier in the season, scoring twice in eight games before he was recalled by the Addicks and the left-sider discussed his road to the first team.
“I’ve been proud of my journey this season,” he said.
“I was at Bromley at the start of the season, I wasn’t expecting to play for the first team here at all.
“I thought I’d just go out to get some experience playing men’s football. To come back here, get in the first team and do well and then to win Young Player of the Year is a massive achievement and I’m so proud of it.”
Since his debut, the Young Player of the Year has scored twice for the Addicks – both goals which could turn out to be crucial to the season. The first, a winner in a 3-2 win against Bristol City on Boxing Day, with his second coming at the weekend in the 2-2 draw against Wigan.
When discussing his goals, Doughty said: “I don’t think the goal at the weekend has sunk in yet. Even the one against Bristol City, sometimes I go back and watch it.
“They’re one of those moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Even the one against Wigan, it’s the best feeling considering how long I’ve been here. Scoring those goals is one of the best feelings.”
Since returning from Bromley in October, Doughty has worked closely with the staff at Charlton and come on in leaps and bounds. The youngster was keen to praise those around him when accepting the award.
“I owe it to all of the staff here, they’ve stuck with me,” he explained.
“The gaffer gave me the chance that I needed and I’ve proven to them that I can take it. I owe it to people like Jacko (Assistant Manager Johnnie Jackson) and Base (First-Team Development Coach Grant Basey), they talk to me a lot. Everyone here is such a pleasure to work with.”
Charlton face Champions Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night, in the final game of the season. The Addicks are sitting outside the relegation zone and know that a win will be enough to secure Championship status for next season.
Get your pass to watch Wednesday's game against Leeds United live on Valley Pass here.
Doughty believes that the team are ready for the challenge ahead.
“Confidence is high. We know we can get the job done,” he said.
“We’ve been the best we have ever been. Against every team since the restart we’ve dominated and played the best we ever have. I’m confident we can go out there and get the three points we need. We can’t go there with fear, we have to make sure we are ready.”