MICHAEL Doughty has completed a sensational return to Swindon Town after the club announced the signing of the midfielder this afternoon.

The 25-year-old has spent two previous loan spells at the Energy Check County Ground but now arrives on a permanent basis on a free transfer from League One side Peterborough United after agreeing a two-year deal.

Doughty becomes Town boss Phil Brown’s eighth signing the summer and joins fellow new arrivals Jermaine McGlashan, Steven Alzate, Luke McCormick, Martin Smith, Elijah Adebayo, Jak McCourt and Toumani Diagouraga.

Doughty told the club’s official website: “Firstly, I’ve got to say a big thanks to the chairman (Lee Power). Because of our good friendship and his good negotiation skills, he’s been able to bring me back in.

“I also want to say thank-you to the manager because working with someone who has been at the top level and who has experienced success was a big carrot for me.

“Both the chairman and the manager were big factors in me coming back.

“I love the club, the people there and the fans and it is a huge opportunity for me.”

Doughty first joined Town on loan from QPR in January 2016, making 20 appearances and scoring five goals to help them finish 15th in League One.

It was no surprise when the club swooped back for his services ahead of the start of the following campaign and Rangers agreed to a second loan stint.

Despite missing a chunk of action due to injury and illness issues, Doughty again impressed for Town as he scored three times in 17 appearances before being recalled to Loftus Road in January 2017.

Doughty – who has also represented Wales at U19 and U21 level – spent last season with Peterborough United after leaving QPR following seven years of service with the Londoners.

He made 34 appearances for Posh and has now dropped down a league in order to help Town challenge for promotion back to League One.

“I feel that I’ve got some unfinished business here,” added Doughty.

“In my last two spells here, I experienced some personal success, but that didn’t translate into the team every week, so I hope this time around it works on both sides of the equation.

“Our ambition, of course, is promotion.”

Doughty helped unveil Town’s new away kit for the 2018-19 season, with the club for an all-black strip with red trim.