Mouth taping and chicken feet among steps Prem star is taking to extend career

14 November 2023 , 13:28

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

Former England star Andros Townsend says he “feels amazing” after embracing two unusual methods to prolong his playing career.

The 32-year-old winger recently returned from two years out by signing a three-month contract with Luton Town and he puts his resurgence down to eating chicken feet, for a collagen boost, and taping his mouth to improve his breathing quality.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Townsend said he is taking the steps to help him recover faster from games and sessions. He has made four appearances for the Hatters since signing in October and has started their previous two encounters, lasting an hour before being substituted.

And the former England international said: "I've only got a three-month contract. Luton need to use me straight away and I need to make sure I'm fit. One of the best natural sources of collagen is chicken feet. It is simple.

“It tastes exactly like a chicken wing. It is low on meat, it has a lot of cartilage close to the bone. It's got skin around it. It's very nice. In China, South Africa and in Portugal, it is eaten quite commonly. It's 20 minutes in the steam oven and get it down you. Mouth taping, I am doing that. All I know is that I am 32 years of age, I've been out of the game for two years and I feel absolutely amazing.”

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Mouth taping became popular in the past decade among endurance athletes as it forces them to breathe via their nose, which is proven to have a number of health benefits. Some people choose to sleep with their mouth taped, though Townsend did not detail to what extent he is experimenting.

Townsend added that he is bouncing back better from heavy training sessions and matches than during the peak of his career and looks set to receive an extended deal at Kenilworth Road upon the expiration of his present contract.

He added: "In my prime at 27, 28, it would take me so long to recover after games - I'd be struggling for the rest of the week and sort of managing myself. Now I am feeling so much fresher and ready to go on Monday.

“I don't know what it is specifically but I think all these little one per centers are adding up. Nutrition and recovery, the hyperbaric chamber, red-light therapy, flow therapy... all these things I am doing seem to be working."

Alan Smith