Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer provides transfer update on Stoke target Alfie Doughty
Lee Bowyer has spelled out that Alfie Doughty will only leave Charlton Athletic if the terms of the deal are right.
Stoke City are pushing to try and conclude a deal for the pacey left winger, 21, who is due to be out of contract at the end of June.
Addicks owner Thomas Sandgaard told the South London Press yesterday that the League One club were in discussions over a transfer in the current window – but also made it clear that other teams were also in discussions.
Charlton manager Lee Bowyer said: “There is interest but there was interest in the summer.
“If Alfie does leave then it will have to be the right thing for the football club. No one player is bigger than the football club – and Alfie is no different.
“Alfie’s agent has told us he won’t sign a new deal and I’m disappointed with that. This time last year his agent was saying we should leave him on loan in non-league [at Bromley] instead of calling him back. We’ve given him the opportunity and we want him to sign a new contract. But that’s his decision, that’s his choice – we understand that.
“We will make sure that it is the right deal for the club if he does go.
“We can’t make anyone sign.
“But we have to be strong. There are certain conversations going on that are probably a bit harsh, but that’s the way negotiations go.
“I trust in Steve [Gallen, director of football]. He will get the right thing for the club. He has done really well in the past and that won’t change.”
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
Agents have become too much part of the game, as the only real interest they have, is not in the player, but making as much money as they can from them!
Another point that really irritates with a player such as Doughty, he was really a nobody in Footballing terms until Bowyer gave him a chance, which he took with both hands and showed how good he could be, which was great, but then he got injured. Charlton have done everything for him whilst he has been injured, which is long term, so as to make a full recovery, paid all the medical bills, rehabiliatation etc and continued paying his wages, they have even offered him a much improved contract, whilst he is still out recovering and not playing, which could be that he may even be not the same player as before with his speed! What does Doughty and his agent do? More or less say ‘Up Yours Charlton’ were both off to pastures new with a couldn’t care a less attitude, with no morals at all.
So if he wants out, Charlton should suspend all payments of any further treatment and tell him to stay at home your not welcome here and he can himself &/or his agent pay for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation etc, until he is sold on! Unfortunately we know that won’t happen as there would be uproar. The sad thing is, many players don’t live in the real world and realise what a priviliged life they have, as the only hard work they have to really do is lifting a pen to sign a new contract for more easy money and take no responsibility for what they have had done for them in the past to get them to where they are now! Loyalty & Privileged are not words they understand!!!
Totally agree with lee, agents should wind there necks in.