“Sign me up” – Andros Townsend’s plea to Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish

BY ANDREW McSTEEN

After joining Crystal Palace on a five-year contract in July 2016 winger Andros Townsend told the club website “I’m pleased to a part of Crystal Palace’s future…it’s going to be a bright one.”

Since then the winger has gone on to amass well over 100 appearances for the South London club – and wants to extend his time in SE25 further with the club who currently have their best-ever points return in the 20-team Premier League after 27 games, with 33 points.

“I think that’s a question for the chairman and for the owners,” said Townsend on talkSPORT in response to former Palace striker Clinton Morrison asking him when he is going to sign a new contract.

“I’m extremely happy at Palace and I’ve spent the best years of my career there. I’ve got under 18 months [left of my contract] now, so when you (Morrison) do see the chairman, ask [him] that question.

“More often-than-not, I’ve been injury-free and been consistent,” he added. “The fans seem to have taken to me, so I am not looking to go anywhere else. I am happy at Palace and hopefully I do extend beyond the next 18 months.”

Those Eagles’ fans and their passionate and loud home and away support has been well-documented and as far as Townsend is concerned the Eagles faithful being behind the team through thick and thin is one of the big positives for him to extend his time at the club.

“They’re incredible,” said Townsend, who made his England debut under current Palace boss Roy Hodgson back in 2013, scoring in a 4-1 win over Montenegro at Wembley.

“We’ve been through a bad run of late and I think they made it their task to say to themselves; “right, we’re going to get to Selhurst Park at 2,2:30pm and we’re going to make noise so when they come out for the start of the game they know we’re right behind them’.

“If you saw our performance on Saturday (in the win over Newcastle United) it was full of energy, full of heart and full of desire and, for me, that starts with the fans.”

PICTURE BY KEITH GILLARD