His performances in the 1974 World Cup saw Alston receive offers from a number of clubs in Germany, including Hertha Berlin, Hamburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. Alston agreed a deal with Hertha that included a $40,000 signing-on fee and a temporary apartment until he was able to secure his own living accommodation and a fee was agreed between Hertha and Safeway United. However, Alston received a late offer from Luton Town in the Football League who had tracked Alston following his performance against the side during a tour of England by the Australian national side in 1970, Alston having scored the winning goal during a 2–1 victory. The club had achieved promotion to the First Division, the highest tier in English football, the previous season and Alston decided to join the "Hatters" in order to help his wife settle and the lack of a language barrier. He also held talks with his former club Preston.