Andros Townsend turnaround has Crystal Palace thankful return to Newcastle never happened

Criticised as ineffective and a waste of money, Andros Townsend has transformed into a key player in Crystal Palace's revival, writes Greg Lea.

Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend. John Sibley / Reuters

Few Crystal Palace supporters would have objected had Andros Townsend’s proposed return to Newcastle United gone through in the January transfer window.

Signed from the Championship club for £13 million (Dh61.76m) last summer, Townsend had failed to impress in his first five months at Selhurst Park, scoring just one goal and providing a single assist. A premature parting of the ways seemed like the best option for all parties.

Slowly and surely, though, Townsend has fought his way back from the brink and established himself as one of Palace’s key players.

__________________________________

Read more

■ On the road with Newcastle United: Fans hopeful under Benitez

■ Predictions: Wins for Spurs and Chelsea keeps gap at four points

■ Team Talk: Tottenham hot on Chelsea's heels but is it too late?

__________________________________

The turning point came in the vital 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in February, which also proved to be the game in which Sam Allardyce finally got his ideas across to a team who had been guilty of severe underachievement up to that point.

Townsend began to win fans over with his improved work rate and energy, while there was also a greater demonstration of his technical abilities as he spent more time in his favoured role on the right wing.

Alan Pardew had been reluctant to field him there earlier in the campaign, largely because of Wilfried Zaha’s scintillating showings on that side of the pitch.

The pair have been afforded the license to regularly switch flanks in-game since Allardyce’s arrival, which has helped to bring out the best of both players.

Pleasingly, Townsend has varied his play well in the last few months. He is no longer preoccupied with repeatedly cutting on to his left foot and taking unrealistic shots from range, with the England international now much more willing to mix things up.

A return of two goals and two assists in his past nine appearances is evidence of Townsend’s recent improvement.

Both Allardyce and the Palace fan base are suddenly very glad that he did not depart at the turn of the year.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport