Luton Town have pulled off a minor transfer coup during the international break: as the Premier League promoted side announced late on Wednesday afternoon, former international Andros Townsend (32) will don the Hatters’ jersey for two and a half months.
The fans should not be dissatisfied with the Premier League adventure so far: Luton Town are in a non-relegation place during the international break in October. The promoted team has picked up four points from eight games. Coach Rob Edwards knows that more is needed for the mission to stay in the relegation zone. That’s why the 40-year-old has strengthened his squad once again.
As the Hatters announced on Wednesday, former England international Andros Townsend, who has been keeping fit with Luton Town, has been signed on a temporary contract until January. The club did not comment on whether the deal includes an option for an extension.
In any case, the 32-year-old brings a wealth of experience with him: his CV includes 264 Premier League appearances, in which he scored 25 goals and set up 28 others. In the English top flight, Townsend played for Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Everton FC. He scored three goals in 13 senior internationals for his native England.
Townsend, who will wear shirt number 30, seems fired up for his Premier League comeback. “I feel like it’s a good fit and the last two weeks have been good for both sides. I’ve seen where I can help this team and on the other side the manager has seen where I can help with my enthusiasm and experience – whether it’s on the pitch, in the dressing room or on the training ground. “
Townsend and that certain “magic “
Townsend also had another reason in favour of the short-term commitment. “I live 20 to 25 minutes away from Luton so I kept an eye on their progress and followed the play-off final closely. The promotion was great for the club. I never thought I would ever pull on the Luton jersey. It’s a great honour to be back in the Premier League for this club and hopefully help get as many points as possible and see where it takes us.”
He could make his debut on 21 October (4pm) when Luton host Nottingham Forest. Coach Edwards knows: “Andros has undoubted Premier League quality, which he has shown in this league and on the international stage.” Townsend’s ongoing injury problems have been “helpful”, he said. “We wouldn’t have been able to sign him if he had played in the last 18 months. “
That Townsend exuded a certain “magic” could only help too, he said. “He’s been brilliant and his attitude has been phenomenal,” Edwards said of the training impressions. “He’s a humble, hardworking individual who we’ll benefit from having on the training ground on a weekly basis. Young players will look up to him and think, ‘These are the standards I need to achieve’. He’s been impeccable.”
He added that Edwards did not want to put pressure on the new boy in the squad. “We won’t ask too much too quickly,” said the Luton coach, who added: “He’s fit, naturally fit. But then it comes down to being fit in the Premier League and being able to influence games. “
