Andy Townsend has Jeff Stelling in stiches with West Brom anecdote
Andy Townsend had Jeff Stelling in stiches with an anecdote regarding the end of his time as a West Brom player.
Townsend brought down the career on his playing career at the end of his first and only season at The Hawthorns in 1999-2000.
The former Republic of Ireland international had another year on his contract, but a recurring knee injury forced him into early retirement.
Discussing the difficulties of life after football live on talkSPORT [14 August, 9:25am], Townsend said retiring was not an issue for him given the circumstances.
“For me it was not so much of a problem,” he said. “Many have had issues coming to terms with finishing, but I was shot to bits and knackered really so I couldn’t wait – West Brom fans will concur with that.”
Stelling laughed out loud at that particular remark, before Townsend added: “It was one of those where I gave everything and had nothing left in the tank. I had a year left on my West Brom contract but I just said ‘no, thanks very much’.”
Andy Townsend reflects on West Brom spell
After a career that saw him represent the likes of Southampton, Norwich City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, Townsend’s final club proved to be the Baggies.
Townsend made just 17 league appearances for Albion in a forgetful spell in a season in which the club narrowly dodged relegation to Division Two.
Ultimately, injuries got the better of the Maidstone native and he had to call time on his career. That was quite admirable in a way as he could have collected a wage for nothing over the next 12 months.
Now aged 61, Townsend has carved out a career for himself as a pundit after deciding against management.
Interestingly, he turned down the chance to work as a coach at The Hawthorns under Gary Megson as he wanted to go his own way.
If nothing else, at least he has one more club to mention when it comes to the after-dinner circuits.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies are in line for an unexpected seven-figure payment.
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