Andros Townsend determined to reward Luton’s faith as winger admits he didn’t think he’d have so much trouble finding a club in the summer

Andros Townsend feared his top-flight career was over after a summer of rejection and could not conceal his delight after coming off the bench to help Luton Town salvage a point at Nottingham Forest.

‘Amazing, honestly,’ beamed the 32-year-old after making his 265th Premier League appearance and his first for 583 days.

‘It was a day I’ve dreamt about for a very long time. This is not a swansong in my mind. Before my injury, I felt I was in my prime. With a run of games I can get back to where I was and beyond.’

Everton released Townsend at the end of last season. He had not played since a cruciate knee injury in March 2022 and looked set to join Burnley until the deal collapsed.

‘It’s been a long old summer,’ said the former England winger. ‘Thinking I was back in the Premier League, then turned down at the last minute and going across the world searching for an opportunity.

‘I didn’t doubt my ability but nobody in the world wanted to even take a look at me.

I was in Turkey, offering my services to anybody. Turkey, UAE, Saudi, Greece. Every country you can think of. I didn’t think I’d have that much trouble finding a football club.’

Townsend was doing media work and speaking to a League One club when Luton called, invited him to train and, once impressed, offered a contract until January. 

Two weeks after working for Sky on Forest’s draw at Crystal Palace, he was coming on as a sub with his new club 1-0 down. 

They were soon two down when Chris Wood scored his second, but Chiedozie Ogbene pulled one back from a Townsend free-kick and Elijah Adebayo levelled in stoppage time.

‘I’ve got three months to get myself in the best condition possible and 12 more games to prove I deserve to be here.’