Andy Townsend

[Hoppo]

Thank god it's not going to happen, he was only saying the weekend that Westwood is not to blame for the mess were in because he at least trys..

[AlexAlexCropley]

Seems Brian might only be temporary which is a shame.As said in the article, there is a lot of fan appeasement going on, I hope not at the risk of missing out on the wrong man.

[peter w]

Then you listen to him on StarSports/ESPN and he's very savvy and tactically aware. I watched him after that on ITV and it was chalk and cheese. Not sure whether he thought, or was told, to keep it brief but simple but there was none of the understanding and analysis that I became used to. Plus he and his kids are Villa fans do he must be a good 'un.

Ahhh interesting, I've never seen or heard that programme. Links to highlights? Or will I actually have to find it myself (BOOOOO)? I must say, I'd be completely unsurprised if ITV told its commentators 'keep it simple, our viewers are morons'.

This was when i was overseas so unfortunately I can't offer any links.

[peter w]

Can't see the point.  Surely it is a role Brian Little can fill, or one he is already doing.

Little is a (possibly unpaid) advisor. Townsend would be full-time and in charge. He'd be a good call - I've always thought he'd make a good manager. He knows football, you never hear a bad word about him and he is/was a leader. He's the one player we've never replaced and he could give chapter and verse to Richards about captaincy.

Think he was part of that ''lads club'' at Chelsea who Graeme Le Saux said he was bullied by, (constantly called a homosexual for being different etc.) but that aside, he seemed to keep his nose clean over the years.

I think this was disappointing to be brought up (by le saux) specifically regarding Townsend. townsend's 'crime' was when le saux was reading the Guardian Townsend would grab the paper and mock it for its interest levels and lack of football. Obviously it would be more base than that but who among us who have played football 9not making this just about football but in all workplaces) have played/worked with colleagues who are just fuckwits? We all have. Townsend may have learned from his mistakes and may look at them with a little bit of shame, but the incident Le saux specifically referred to (and he mentioned Townsend by name and linked him to this one incident) should have been ;eft inhouse and between them.

[Risso]

Townsend always struck me as being more than a bit dim. I'd much rather see somebody like Southgate who at least put his balls on a line as a manager than somebody who has taken the easy option of being a pundit.  He's an especially bad pundit anyway, isn't he?

[Monty]

Can't see the point.  Surely it is a role Brian Little can fill, or one he is already doing.

Little is a (possibly unpaid) advisor. Townsend would be full-time and in charge. He'd be a good call - I've always thought he'd make a good manager. He knows football, you never hear a bad word about him and he is/was a leader. He's the one player we've never replaced and he could give chapter and verse to Richards about captaincy.

Think he was part of that ''lads club'' at Chelsea who Graeme Le Saux said he was bullied by, (constantly called a homosexual for being different etc.) but that aside, he seemed to keep his nose clean over the years.

I think this was disappointing to be brought up (by le saux) specifically regarding Townsend. townsend's 'crime' was when le saux was reading the Guardian Townsend would grab the paper and mock it for its interest levels and lack of football. Obviously it would be more base than that but who among us who have played football 9not making this just about football but in all workplaces) have played/worked with colleagues who are just fuckwits? We all have. Townsend may have learned from his mistakes and may look at them with a little bit of shame, but the incident Le saux specifically referred to (and he mentioned Townsend by name and linked him to this one incident) should have been ;eft inhouse and between them.

I think Townsend should just not have been a prick.

[peter w]

True but this was when he was a kid himself and probably not the brightest. He may have seen the error in his ways and learned from it. I mean how many of us on here can't look back to some point in their early 20s and think that they were a bit of an idiot in certain situations and are horrified by choices made in a split second?

[Monty]

Well, perhaps. It does sound like it happened quite a lot though, doesn't it? I have less sympathy with repeated actions like that, if so.

[The Edge]

He's the last Villa skipper to lift a trophy, he's positive and a he's winner.  I can't see any downside to having Andy Townsend's presence back around the Club, it would be good to see him back.

I'll second that.

[peter w]

Yes it does and that's why I was disappointed to see his name mentioned. But then again he was made captain of Villa by Brian Little and I doubt the character of the le saux episode could have been the same character just a few years after. Maybe he just grew up.

[wozwebs]

Pat Murphy on Twitter:

"Andy Townsend NOT earmarked for Director of Football @AVFCOfficial as there will be no such role. Head of Football Ops on football board, will likely to be Adrian Bevington with Brian Little providing extra practical experience. Other 2 on fboard David Bernstein,Lord King."

When asked if Townsend will be involved in any way he said: "Not aware of it. He gave input recently,along with other former Villa players."

So it seems we may have approached a few former players for their advice.

[AV89]

Doubt this willI happen to be honest as he would have to be willing to give up his media career.  The sort of role he's linked with would surely be a full time position, rather than something that can be worked on a couple of days a week.

Also, there's the conflict of interest.  Don't think it would good to be working for a club and then work in the media and pass comment on it.

[old man villa fan]

I think Southgate would make a good Head of Football if the scope was to organise the whole playing side from Academy through to 1st team providing that it only runs as far as liaising with the 1st team manager.  From what I have read about him, he seems a very good and intelligent administrator.

[tomd2103]

Really liked Andy Townsend the player, thought he was great for us.  His time at the club probably means my views of him as a pundit are a little rose tinted.  Sounds like there isn't going to be such a role at the club now, but if there is, I would like to see someone with proven experience in that type of role.

[Fred]

Great Player and a leader. Didn't Big Ron say i wanted Keane but we eneded up with AT. Probably the last time a player will leave Chealsea to come to us.