centre-back and his form and consistency improved considerably. Although Norwich had a difficult and disappointing 2005–06 season, the supporters recognised Doherty's contribution by voting him Norwich City player of the year. Doherty signed a new contract at Carrow Road until summer 2008. The 2007–08 season also started off poorly for Doherty and was injured for 2 months in October. Doherty's contract expired, but he signed a new two-year deal on 1 July. He subsequently announced that his new squad number, 12, instead of 27 is intended to bring him luck: "It's all about superstition. Since I came to Norwich, my goal tally's been rubbish really. I used to wear 12 at Luton and Tottenham, and I used to be quite free-scoring during those times." During the Canaries' 2008–09 pre-season tour, Doherty picked up an ankle injury that ruled him out for the first three months of the season. Having returned to the side, he scored his first league goal for more than three years on Boxing Day 2008 in a 3–1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Although Doherty was given the captaincy at the start of the 2009–10 season by Bryan Gunn, new manager Paul Lambert dropped him from the role immediately; and he was told he had no long-term future at the club. However, due to injuries Lambert was forced to recall Doherty to the side, and after this Doherty remained in the side for the rest of the season. He formed tight defensive partnerships with both Michael Nelson and Jens Berthel Askou and also scored seven goals in the process helping Norwich City to the League one title. Doherty was named "man of the match" following Norwich's game against Leeds United on 27 March 2010. At the end of the 2009–10 season, Doherty was named third in the player of the season award list, but on 14 May 2010 it was announced that he had been released by Norwich City. His agent Brendan Keyes was in talks with New York Red Bulls to bring Gary to MLS and a deal looked imminent but with terms not agreed Doherty stayed in England. Charlton Athletic On 5 July 2010, it was announced that Doherty had signed for Charlton Athletic after being released on a free transfer from Norwich City. Doherty became a regular in the Charlton side during the 2010–11 season but only made three appearances for the