Andros Townsend admitted it was an easy decision to leave St James Park this summer, reports The Chronicle.
The Crystal Palace winger made it clear that whilst he enjoyed playing at Newcastle, he didn’t even consider staying once relegation was confirmed:
“I loved every minute of it, they (Newcastle) took me from the under-21s at Spurs to playing Premier League football in front of 52,000, they got the best out of me.
“I had a very productive time there, unfortunately it was not enough to stay in the Premier League. I had to think long and hard in the summer about what I wanted to do; stay and play in the Championship did not cross my mind, in the end.”
Townsend also stated that the fans “loved” him; not any more. The former England international showed exactly the kind of spineless, selfish attitude which got us relegated in the first place.
It was not down to one man, don’t get me wrong, but down to collective failings. It’s hard to admire people who won’t accept their contribution to the disaster but instead look to leave at the first opportunity.
Staggering as his admission is, they are unsurprising. There was no loyalty to the club he freely admits saved his career. 24, discarded by his club for the umpteenth time, overlooked again at international level, Newcastle United stepped in and offered him a lifeline, a chance to resurrect his career.
Our repayment? A sprint through the exit door as soon as Crystal Palace came knocking. I could understand him leaving at the end of this season if we didn’t win promotion. At least he would have tried to get us back into the top flight. But before a ball is kicked?
That’s footballers for you.
