- Andros Townsend has played almost 300 Premier League games in his career
- He has been a free agent since leaving Everton at the end of the 2022-23 season
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’
Luton have completed the signing of former Tottenham and England winger Andros Townsend on a short-term contract.
The 32-year-old joins the Hatters after leaving Everton in the summer where he had an injury-ravaged spell.
Having initially impressed upon arrival at Goodison Park in 2021 – with Townsend contributing seven goals and four assists in just 21 starts – he suffered a serious knee injury in March 2022 and hasn’t played since.
He spent time with Burnley in the summer and revealed last month how he was left in tears after a move collapsed despite agreeing terms with the Clarets and being offered a contract.
Luton boss Rob Edwards confirmed after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham that the winger had been training with the club and the 32-year-old is now set to add much-needed Premier League knowhow and quality to the Hatters’ inexperienced squad.
Luton have completed the signing of Andros Townsend on a short-term deal until January
Rob Edwards hailed the transfer and believes Townsend will add crucial top flight experience
After the move was confirmed, Townsend – who has penned a deal until January – told the club’s website: ‘I feel like it’s a good fit and these last couple of weeks (training with the club) have been good for both parties.
‘I’ve seen where I can help this team and on the flip side the manager has seen where I can help – whether that’s on the pitch, in the dressing room or on the training field – with my enthusiasm and experience.
‘Plus, Luton are my local team – I live 20-25 minutes away so I’ve kept my eye on their progress and watching the Championship play-off final and see them win promotion was great for the club.
‘I never thought I’d pull on the Luton shirt, so it’s a huge honour to play again in the Premier League for this club, and hopefully help this club get as many points as we can and see where it takes us.’
Edwards was extremely pleased to have snapped up his new recruit – who also won 13 caps for England between 2013 to 2016 and played for Luton’s development team last week – as he added: ‘Andros has undoubted Premier League quality, which he has shown in this league and on the international stage.
‘Of course, he has had a difficult period with injury through no fault of his own – and we wouldn’t be able to sign him if he’d had played in the last 18 months.
‘He’s been brilliant and his attitude has been phenomenal. He’s a humble, hard-working individual that we will benefit from having at the training ground on a weekly basis.
Townsend left Everton in the summer after an injury-ravaged time with Sean Dyche’s side
The winger also won 13 caps for England and has racked up 264 Premier League appearances
‘Young players are going to look up to him and think “they are the standards I need to be at”. He’s been impeccable.
‘But we’re delighted to have him. We hope he can make a positive impact – and we don’t see why he won’t.’
After breaking through the youth ranks at Tottenham, Townsend – who will wear the No 30 shirt at Luton – has gone on to rack up 264 Premier League appearances for the likes of Spurs, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Everton.
The Hatters currently lie just outside the relegation zone in 17th place and return to action with a trip to Nottingham Forest on October 21.
