Tottenham Winger, Andros Townsend, May Leave in January After Being Dropped From Squad
A heated exchange with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner may see the Tottenham Hotspur winger pushing [pun intended] for an exit.
According to the Daily Mail they have reported that Andros Townsend could seek a January move after being frustrated with a lack of playing time. Townsend’s frustration boiled over when he had a heated exchange with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner during his post-game workout and shoved him in the chest.
During Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Monday night, Andros Townsend was an unused substitute, watching fellow teammates Ryan Mason, Ben Davies and Josh Onomah get minutes instead of him. It’s understandable to be upset when you’re a healthy scratch after coming back from injury and feel that you can play and help out.
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But unfortunately for the 24-year-old winger, he is looking like surplus to requirements even with Heung-Min Son and Nacer Chadli’s injuries. Not to mention Clinton N’Jie’s drop in substitution appearances following his first and only start with Tottenham against R.S.C. Anderlecht in the Europa League. That’s three people that — right now — Andros Townsend should be able to start over because he’s healthy. The only problem is Christian Eriksen and Érik Lamela are ahead of him in the pecking order.
If Townsend hasn’t played since the 0-0 draw against Liverpool on October 17th, which was a three minute appearance, then he won’t be getting any more minutes in the near future. Mauricio Pochettino has removed him from his squad ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against Anderlecht according to BBC Sport.
The Argentine manager had this to say regarding the incident:
“Discipline for me is very important. I can understand the player – we have a young squad and a player can make a mistake – but when you cross the limit it is important to stop that.
Has he apologized? Yes, he recognized it was a mistake. I can understand because I was a player and when you don’t play you’re unhappy and sometimes your expectation is bigger than the manager provides you.
But it was not normal behavior. He is young and you need to understand that it isn’t the way to impress the manager.”
Shoving someone is not a good move to make if you want to play, because the punishment you’ll receive could — in Androse Townsend’s case — see yourself get axed from the squad. It’s not official that Townsend may have made his final appearance for Tottenham against Liverpool. But until there’s an absolute need to play the right winger, January can’t come any faster for the English international.
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It’s possible that Andros Townsend will follow the same path that Aaron Lennon took when he was able to secure a loan move to Everton for playing time. The only issue now, is who will be open to taking the 24-year-old winger?
The Daily Mail article highlighted three clubs: Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. But in Villa’s case, that was an option only because Tim Sherwood was still the coach, he’s no longer there.
Lately though, transfer rumors suggested that Newcastle United and Swansea City would be interested in signing Andros Townsend. That’s a total of five clubs and it would behoove Tottenham to discuss a move to these teams soon if Andros Townsend is no longer a part of Mauricio Pochettino’s long term plans.
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If Tottenham are able to secure a loan move for Andros Townsend in January then it’ll be best to complete it as soon as possible unless Mauricio Pochettino has second thoughts and decides to play the 24-year-old winger again due to any other injuries that might occur. One other option that Spurs could try is seeking a permanent transfer instead.