Credit – scoopnest.com
Recently we asked the question. Was Andy Townsend an underrated player for Ireland? I think that would be a resounding yes.
A mainstay of the Ireland side of the ‘90s, Townsend won 70 caps, scored 7 goals, and represented the Boys in Green at two World Cups – 1990 and 1994. Having been born in Maidstone in Kent, young Townsend was raised in Bexley but qualified for Ireland as his grandmother came from Castleisland in County Kerry. His father, Don Townsend, was a professional footballer who played for Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace, undoubtedly influencing Andy’s passion for the sport.
Known for his all-action style, box to box runs, work rate and leadership, Townsend had a stellar club career, lining out for Welling United, Weymouth, Southampton, Norwich City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and West Brom. While at Aston Villa he won two League Cups, firstly in a 3-1 win over Alex Fergusons Manchester United in 1994 and then captaining the side in Villa’s 3-0 win over Leeds United in 1996.
It was while at Norwich City that Townsend was first selected for Ireland, making his debut against France in a friendly match at Dalymount Park on 7th February 1989. His first competitive game for Ireland was a substitute appearance in a 1-0 win over Spain on 26th April 1989 in a World Cup Qualifier.
He then played at the following year’s World Cup in Italy, where he featured in all five of Ireland’s games. After three draws in the group matches (versus England, Egypt, and the Netherlands), Townsend scored a penalty in the famous penalty shootout win in the second round against Romania, before the Italian adventure was ended in Rome against the hosts. He was captain for the 1994 World Cup in the USA, which kicked off with a famous 1-0 win over Italy in the Giants Stadium in New York. After a defeat by Mexico and a draw with Norway, Ireland exited the competition after a 2-0 defeat to the Dutch in the second round. Townsend started in all nine of these World Cup Finals matches.
Credit – artofit.org
To give just a couple of examples of his talents, Townsend was superb in a 3-3 away draw against Poland in Poznan in October 1991. Playing in a midfield also containing Paul McGrath and young debutant named Roy Keane, Townsend scored a goal in one of Ireland’s best ever away attacking performances. Yet despite being 3-1 up with 13 minutes to go, Ireland drew the game 3-3 after a couple of late errors.
Also, in a World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in Dublin in March 1993, an imposing Townsend scored the opening goal after 19 minutes in a resounding 3-0 win.
Interestingly, under Jack Charlton, he was given the captains armband 27 times, illustrating just how much Big Jack rated his influence on the pitch.
When he retired from international duty, in March 1998, shortly before his 35th birthday, he said, “I could plug away but my gut feeling is that it’s the right time to go. Mick (McCarthy) has a glut of young lads hammering on the door at the moment and no useful purpose would be served if I was to hang around. It’s sad to retire from something I’ve enjoyed so much but the time feels right.” This summed up the man as he wanted to be front and centre of the battle – not on the periphery.
“He’s been a good character and a good leader and he contributed as much as any person in the last ten years,” said McCarthy at the time.
A knee injury ended Townsends playing career in 2000. In 2015, he was inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame. Post playing career, as an amiable and professional broadcaster, he worked for over a decade on ITV as a co-commentator on Champions League, FA Cup, and international matches. He now works as a pundit and co-commentator for other domestic and international channels and regularly features as a guest presenter on talkSPORT. He has also lent his voice to EA Sports games. In 2020 he served as an executive producer on the documentary ‘Finding Jack Charlton’, a film about his legendary former manager’s football career and his later years as a dementia sufferer.
Credit – newstalk.com
Fondly remembered as a great professional and someone who gave his all in an Ireland shirt, Townsend will be cherished as a key player in a golden era for Irish football history.