Former Charlton Athletic and Millwall players celebrate promotion to the Premier League
Former Charlton duo Alfie Doughty and Tom Lockyer will be Premier League footballers next season after Luton Town’s Championship play-off final victory over Coventry City.
The Hatters won 6-5 on penalties to seal a fairytale rise from non-league to now getting ready to mix it with England’s elite.
Ex-Addicks centre-back Lockyer was stretchered off early on at Wembley after collapsing off the ball.
“We lost Tom Lockyer, but recovered really well after that and showed a lot of emotional strength and character,” said Luton boss Rob Edwards.
“We lost our captain and best player. All I’ve been thinking about since the final whistle is that. Health is more important than anything.”
Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok. Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team mates. Here is the moment……. pic.twitter.com/4mxlyGqbhI
— Steve Lockyer (@sl_cardiff) May 27, 2023
The Wales international was taken to hospital with his dad later posting a picture of his son celebrating Luton’s victory.
Doughty, who came through the youth ranks at Charlton, started at left-wing-back and was replaced by former Millwall attacker Fred Onyedinma in the 84th minute.
There was also a South London connection in the Coventry City ranks with Pimlico’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, on a season-long loan from Arsenal, starting for Mark Robins’ team.