Former Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend has opened up about his return to Selhurst Park after featuring for Luton Town during Saturday’s 1-1 draw in South London.
Crystal Palace were stunned in the final seconds against Luton Town on Saturday afternoon as Cauley Woodrow netted a 96th-minute equaliser for the Hatters to level the score at 1-1.
The late equaliser saw the points shared at Selhurst Park, something that wouldn’t have stunned fans as Oliver Glasner witnessed his side throw away an advantageous position for the second week running.
No team has conceded more goals on or after the 90th minute than Palace this season, who have been the victim of 10 late goals being netted against them this term.
While it wasn’t a result that could be celebrated by the Eagles despite leading until the final seconds, not everyone with an association to the club left Selhurst jaded after the final whistle.
What Andros Townsend said about returning to Selhurst Park
After leaving Crystal Palace in 2021 to join Everton on a free transfer, Andros Townsend returned to South London for the first time since featuring for the Toffees against the Eagles in the FA Cup back in 2022.
During that future, the 32-year-old sustained an ACL injury that saw him absent for 413 days after requiring surgery, an agonising blow for the winger who on Saturday stepped back onto the pitch where he suffered the blow two years ago.
Speaking to the media after the game, via London News Online, Townsend admitted that it was “amazing” to return to Palace after spending five years at the club as a player.
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“It was amazing to come back here and have a positive memory because I spent five great years here.”
“Coming here today, my first thought was it was the pitch where I got injured, but the reaction from the home fans was incredible. Even going back to the day I got injured, to get a standing ovation from all four sides as I hobbled off, I never forgot that.”
Andros Townsend will always be respected at Selhurst Park
Despite leaving Selhurst on a happier note than his former teammates on Saturday, Townsend was full of praise and admiration for the loyal fans at Palace, reminiscing on their support during his time at the club.
“Through the rehab, through the tough the dark days, I remembered that appreciation from this fan base, that’s why after the game I made sure I applauded all four sides of the stadium just to let them know I appreciate them. It’s nice to come back and have a positive memory again.”
The former Spurs winger spent five years at the club and made 185 appearances, scoring 16 goals and recording 28 assists to make his mark at Palace.
Many will share the opinion that it’s good to see Townsend back playing in the Premier League for Luton after his injury struggles however, his assist for Woodrow’s late equaliser wasn’t appreciated so much.