Andros Townsend: Former Crystal Palace star’s admission on painful exit from Selhurst Park

Former Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend says he would have loved to have played under Patrick Vieira, but had to accept that the club was taking a different direction.

Townsend was part of the huge clear out just as Vieira walked through the door, and even though he signed for Everton, it was the Eagles who enjoyed a special season, reaching the FA Cup and semi final and finishing 12th in the Premier League.

The former England international unfortunately picked up an ACL injury during his return to Selhurst Park, and was ruled out for the rest of the season with Everton fighting relegation.

The Toffees though got revenge on the Eagles, after coming from two goals down to win at Goodison and fight to stay up in the Premier League, a special occasion marred by their fans after one insulted manager Patrick Vieira during a pitch invasion.

What Townsend said about his exit

“To be honest what they have done is spectacular and I did not see that coming I must admit,” he told TalkSport.

“Obviously I would have loved to play under Vieira but I also accept that the club were looking to take a different direction and bring in young players and I accept that, even though I feel really young.

“I mean the likes of Eze and Olise are very young and with so much promise so I really accept all that.”

Crystal Palace back for pre-season

The Eagles are back to the training base in Beckenham for their pre-season training, after having a few weeks off.

Players like Wilfried Zaha and Odsonne Edouard are expected to be in the first day as Vieira and his team look to get the players in shape for what is expected to be a challenging second season.

The Eagles have agreed deals with Sam Johnstone and Malcolm Ebiowei, even though they are still in talks with Cheick Doucouré and Cheikhou Kouyaté to add bite and power to the team.