SWINDON Town have completed another crucial bit of business this summer – by tying down Michael Doughty to a new contract.

The midfielder has put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his current deal, keeping him at the Energy Check County Ground until the summer of 2022.

Doughty re-joined the club on a free transfer last summer following two previous loan spells at SN1 and finished the 2018-19 season as Town’s top scorer, netting 14 goals in 33 appearances.

The 26-year-old was also voted player of the season by readers of the Swindon Advertiser.

Upon announcing the news, the club revealed Doughty had received offers from teams in League One but has turned them down to commit his future to manager Richie Wellens’ project at Town.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Doughty said: “I spoke to the manager at the end of last season and he was keen to extend my stay and so was I.

“Ultimately, my career has had a number of clubs and this is the one club I’ve felt very connected to and managed to produce my best football.

“I thought it was the best thing for me to show my intent and I want to be a part of the club’s future and success.”

Doughty began his goal scoring exploits of last season with a dramatic match-winning hat-trick in the 3-2 win at home to Macclesfield Town on the opening day of the campaign.

His continued form under Wellens saw him become a vital part of Town’s midfield and his commitment to the club is a welcome addition to the string of signings and renewals this off-season.

The midfielder started his career at Queens Park Rangers and appeared for the club in the Premier League.

However, his chances with the first team were sporadic under various managers and he had several loan spells away from Loftus Road, including at Woking, Crawley Town, Aldershot Town, St Johnstone, Stevenage and Gillingham.

His final two loan spells were both at his now-permanent home at Swindon where he originally arrived in January 2016.

After renewing his loan at the start of the 2016/17 season, Doughty was recalled to QPR before moving on to Peterborough United the following summer.

He made 34 appearances for the Posh in League One before leaving the club on a free 12 months ago to return to the County Ground.

Town boss Wellens added: “It’s excellent news because he’s a player with a hell of a lot of talent – and he’s someone I want to get even more out of.

“He’s coming in every single day and working hard. He came back flying, he had the lowest body fat at pre-season testing out of the whole squad.

“I’m really pleased but the important thing now is about getting the absolute maximum out of Michael Doughty.”