Former England international Andros Townsend is in no way seeing his move to Kenilworth Road as the ‘swansong’ with which he intends to finish his career.
The 32-year-old signed a short team deal with the Hatters this month after being a free agent since the summer when he was let go by Everton.
ack to his best at Kenilworth Road
After leaving Goodison Park, Townsend couldn’t find a new club for love or money during the close season, Burnley pulling out of a deal at the final minute and then teams all over the world not interested due to a lack of first team action, the winger’s last appearance coming in March 2022 when he suffered a serious cruciate injury.
However, the Hatters took the plunge, with the ex-Crystal Palace and Spurs wideman doing enough in training to sign permanently as he had his first top flight outing in over 18 months when coming on in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Townsend said the following in an interview: “I missed a year and a half, but I felt like I was in my physical prime before I got injured.”
“In my opinion, this is absolutely not a farewell tour; I think I can go above and beyond with a run of games.
“I am aware that in order to go above and beyond where I was, I need this platform.
“I have not been called in to save anyone, so there is no pressure.
“I am aware of my abilities and what I can offer, and I also realise that I am probably a long way from being completely match fit. That’s all.”
“I’ll keep putting in a lot of effort. My job is to impress enough to receive 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 90 minutes on the weekends.
“If I can help with my experience and my wisdom in the dressing room then I’m happy also, but there’s definitely no pressure on myself.
“I’m looking to take this opportunity with both hands and take my game to another level.”
With over 250 Premier League appearances under his belt during spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Palace and the Toffees, plus 13 England caps too, Townsend did find it a surprise there wasn’t a single taker for him.
It led him to question whether or not he might have to ditch thoughts of a playing comeback for one in broadcasting instead, having been doing a lot of punditry work recently.
“I did fear that was my future,” he went on, “and that it (a possible retirement) wasn’t through choice but opportunity.”
“Nobody in the world expressed interest in seeing me.
“I spent a few weeks in Turkey simply reaching out to everyone—I mean, anybody at all.
“I was presenting my services to every country you can think of—the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and all of them.
“Is a player required? Do you want to look at me if you’re concerned about the i
njuries? No, all right, I’ll go on to the next nation.
“I sincerely didn’t think I would have that much problem finding a football club going into the summer; I was honestly offering myself out. After all, you had 260 outings under your belt.
“I was chatting to clubs that were lower down the leagues at one point, right before this opportunity arose.
“I talked to a League One director of football; all I needed was to start playing again. Fortunately, this manager, Rob Edwards, changed, wanted an additional body, and I pleased him enough to win a short-term contract.
Never once did I question my abilities, but I was afraid that the chance would not present itself.
Townsend signed a short-term contract that expires in January, so for now he is focusing on reaching the level of fitness he knows is required in the top flight and isn’t looking any farther.
“The injury is fine; I’m still a few weeks away from where I’d like to be, but it was all worthwhile to be out on the pitch, impact games, get crosses into the box, and help us get a point,” he continued.
“I try not to plan too far ahead of time.
“This is an opportunity that I never would have imagined receiving.
“I have three months to get in the greatest possible shape for the contest.
“I’ve played in thirteen games, and I have twelve cup finals left to show the manager—or anyone is watching—that I am deserving of a longer contract.
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