For Alfie Doughty, that dream could become a reality. He has been a Millwall fan since he was a boy and is now a key member of the Millwall team as they aim for promotion to the Premier League for the first time.
“If that happened, God, I wouldn’t believe it,” he told Sky Sports with a smile.
It’s a brief, rare moment during a conversation at Millwall’s training ground where Doughty imagines what it would be like to lead his club into the top tier.
He insists his focus is always on the next match. Don’t be influenced by the story of what happens at the end of the season.
Saturday, March 7th 12:25pm
12:30pm kickoff
“We’re in a happy place right now, and we just want to stay there,” he says. “We just want to focus on ourselves right now.”
But now external attention is also shifting to Millwall.
Manager Alex Neil has guided his side to fourth place in the Championship and their promotion prospects are accelerating ahead of a big game against fifth-placed Hull at lunchtime on Saturday.
Doughty starred in Luton’s rise to power three years ago and already knows what it takes to successfully make the breakthrough in the Premier League.
A less flashy team with less purchasing power than their rivals and looking to experience Premier League football for the first time? Comparisons with Millwall are warranted.
Alfie Doughty has helped Luton get into the Premier League in 2023
“I think I’ve come from two teams now, they both play quite a similar style,” said Doughty, who signed for Millwall in the summer after three years at Luton.
“They are difficult to break down, they counter-attack, and they have big men up top.
“Our clean sheet record at the moment is incredible and I think that’s our strength. Defending the box is something we can really improve on.”
Millwall’s physicality has been a key part of their Championship success this season
“It was exactly the same with Luton. And look where that has led us.”
On a personal level, he is hungry for a new taste of the Premier League.
“After I put it in my mouth, I wanted to eat it again. It was really fun.”
A second time playing against Millwall will be even better.
“To do it at your boyhood club, it would be extraordinary, but as always, it’s all about what ifs and maybes, right?
“I didn’t come here because I’m a Millwall fan. I came here because I know it’s a great club.”
With that, Doughty headed out into the spring sunshine for a session. Warm weather heralds a break-in period. But Doughty and Millwall are aiming to take it to the next level, one step at a time.
