Andros Townsend has spoken of the “incredible feeling” he experienced when Everton fans sang his name after his goal against Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup. But despite goals at Goodison Park, Old Trafford and Loftus Road, it is his strike against Town at the John Smith’s Stadium which live long in his memory.
Andros Townsend said “The fans have been amazing, they sang a song about me for the first time after I scored at Huddersfield and that was an incredible feeling. I am thrilled to be playing for Everton and there is no way this chance is going to pass me by, or I am going to fail because of lack of effort. You can keep improving until you retire and I will work hard every day to, hopefully, take my game to another level into my thirties.”
But Townsend does admit that his stunning strike against Burnley at Goodison last month is one of the best he has ever scored.
Andros Townsend said “The feeling was more relief we got the second goal than how good it was… that didn’t set in until I watched it afterwards and saw how far out I was. It was one of my best, for sure. I normally sleep for three or four hours after a night match because of the caffeine I take and the adrenaline. But after Burnley, I got about an hour. I tried to settle down, get in bed and watch TV, but the adrenaline was pumping. I was thinking about the game and goal and couldn’t switch off.”
The signing of Townsend is now being viewed by many in football as one of the deals of the summer, but he admits things could have turned out differently had it not been for a last-minute move by the Blues.
Andros Townsend said “That is not anywhere near my mind. I was 24-48 hours from having to accept an offer overseas a few months ago. Clubs in England were interested but didn’t want to make the first move. Everton came at the last minute and I realise how fortunate I am to represent such a massive club, fighting for big things. I try not to think beyond the day-to-day – but I don’t want to retire without winning anything. When you play in the playground, or go to bed at night, you dream about lifting a trophy.”
Townsend joined the Blues from Crystal Palace on a free transfer in the summer, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the club. And although there was initially scepticism around the move when it was first announced, the winger has since gone on to be an instant hit at Goodison Park. Hard work and commitment have been at the heart of his performances for Rafa Benitez’s side so far this season. But in addition to his hard work and commitment, Townsend has also added some much needed quality to Everton’s attack.
