Townsend draws the curtain

07 July 2000

Midfielder Andy Townsend, who joined from Middlesbrough at the start of last season, is leaving the Club by mutual consent after agreeing a settlement fee for his contract. Townsend has not had the best of seasons, spending much of it out of action through injury, and was considering an offer from Gary Megson to join his coaching staff - having spent the last months of the season managing the reserve side. He turned down the offer on the grounds that he still felt he had something to offer on the playing side, but now seems to feel that it won't be with Albion - and his comments suggest that he's looking for a managerial position in his own right elsewhere.

Megson paid tribute to Townsend's honesty, saying that he could easily have remained on the playing staff at Albion, picking up a large salary - but felt that this would not have been the right thing to do. He has also offered Townsend the opportunity to carry on coaching at Albion until he finds himself a permanent role elsewhere.

The midfield is now looking like a major area for new blood after the losses of Townsend, Flynn and Santos. In the central role, we now have Sneekes and Oliver - with possibly Van Blerk. Looks a bit thin, doesn't it?

Previous Stories:

  05 July 2000:  McDermott to Cardiff City?

  05 July 2000:  Fox linked with move

  05 July 2000:  Santos joins the Blades

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