Townsend has touching reason for changing name on back of his shirt

11 November 2023 , 19:06

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Fans have noticed a name change on the back of Andros Townsend's shirt (Image: Getty Images)

Andros Townsend has changed the name on the back of his shirt in a touching tribute to his young son.

'Townsend' has been replaced by 'Townsend Sr' this season, following his move to Luton in October, because the midfielder has a four-year-old son whose name is Andros Townsend Jr.

The 32-year-old was a free agent after leaving Everton in the summer but it took him until during the last international break to find a new club, with the Hatters his next destination.

He made his debut during Luton's 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest and was named in the starting XI for the first time against Liverpool last weekend. After impressing, Townsend kept his place in the side to face Manchester United, though he couldn't help his side to get a positive result at Old Trafford.

A fan who noticed the name change said on Twitter: "Very good of Andros Townsend to now go by the name of Andros Townsend Sr to ensure nobody mistakenly names his infant son in the team." Another added: "Am I the only one that finds it weird that he has ‘Townsend Sr’ on his back?" A third said: "Andros Townsend Sr on his shirt."

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As for Townsend's Luton, Victor Lindelof's second-half strike condemned them to defeat in Manchester, which leaves them precariously above the bottom three. Speaking after the match, Hatters boss Rob Edwards said: "They [my players] gave absolutely everything. They [Man United] dominated the game in those opening stages, which we kind of knew would happen.

Andros Townsend has made four appearances for Luton since his move (Getty Images)

"But I thought we grew into the half and there was a big chance for Carlton Morris. We rode our luck once or twice but when you come to Old Trafford you are going to have to do that. Most teams will. Getting in at halftime at 0-0 was crucial and then I look at the second half and I am just so proud of the players.

"We showed bravery with the ball and had almost half the possession. For Luton Town to come to Old Trafford and do that shows progression. The disappointment is how we conceded - the second or third phase from a free-kick. And then creating chances and speeding the game up in those moments was difficult for us in the second half."

Kieran King