Boss doubts Townsend will break through at Tottenham next season
Harry Redknapp believes Andros Townsend will struggle to establish himself at Tottenham next season despite the winger’s successful loan spell at QPR.
Townsend has impressed since arriving at Loftus Road, suggesting the 21-year-old has a future in the top flight.
But former Spurs manager Redknapp says the youngster’s first-team prospects at White Hart Lane remain slim.
“He’s can’t take Gareth Bale’s place or Aaron Lennon’s, that’s the problem,” said the R’s boss.
“He’ll go back to Tottenham and he’ll push again next year and I’m sure he’ll be in their squad.
“But obviously the kid’s got a problem getting in their team because they’ve got so many fantastic players.”
And Redknapp does not think Spurs have reason to regret letting Townsend leave on loan, even though Bale has subsequently been sidelined by injury.
He said: “They’ve [still] got good players. You’ve got Clint Dempsey, Gylfi Sigurdsson and all these people.
“They’ve got a massive, strong squad. There aren’t any kids playing there – they’re all experienced players.
“When I was there he couldn’t get in the team because they had Gareth Bale and Luka Modric. It was hard for him.”
Redknapp added: “I’ve been really pleased with Andros. I’d like another 10 like him.
“He’s done really well and playing in the Premier League has been a great experience for him. He’s a good lad too.”
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14/04/2013 @ 10:14 pm
After all the years as top flight manager Harry still doesn’t understand the concept of squad rotation and having a squad to cater for injuries and suspensions and just plain resting stars o that they don’t run out of steam at the end of the season.
13/04/2013 @ 9:56 pm
Considering Bale is now playing upfront or just behind the stiker, it means there is plenty of space across midfield for Townsend to battle for. When spurs go with wingers, he should be our prefered choice on the left to match Lennon, while Bale plays upfront. And spurs often use 442 when injuries kick in or players are rested.
13/04/2013 @ 1:25 am
Harry not at all attempting to sway Townsend towards staying at QPR… He’s definitely gotten far more blatant than he used to be in his old age. QPR are going down Harry, Remy is welcome at the lane though 🙂