Paddy Kenny has expressed confidence that new Everton signing Andros Townsend will ‘do really well’ at Goodison Park.
The former Leeds and Sheffield United goalkeeper was speaking to Football Insider.
The lowdown
Everton confirmed the signing of Townsend last week following his release from Crystal Palace. The 30-year-old, who has also played for Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, signed a two-year deal at Goodison Park.
Speaking exclusively to Football Transfer Tavern, former Premier League striker Dean Windass described the transfer as a ‘great bit of business’ but did say it came as a ‘big surprise’ given that Townsend hadn’t ‘pulled up anything for a few seasons’ at Selhurst Park.
The winger made 34 Premier League appearances for the Eagles last season, scoring once and providing five assists (via WhoScored).
The latest
Kenny feels that Townsend will improve Everton’s depth in wide areas and insists that he still has a lot to offer both on and off the field.
The former Ireland goalkeeper told Football Insider: “He’ll make the squad better, 100 per cent.
“He’s experienced and he’s still a quality player. He might be 30 but he is still a fit lad. He’ll be good to have in the dressing room.
“I’m sure he’ll enhance the squad and the whole club and do really well at Everton.”
The verdict
Townsend is hardly an inspiring signing for Everton. You wouldn’t expect him to be a starter necessarily, but even as a backup option there are question marks when you look at his rather barren level of productivity last season. Would you really want to be relying on him in the event of an injury?
However, the focus very much seems to be on stylistic compatibility. Townsend produced 1.6 accurate crosses per game last season – more than any Everton player. The idea will be that, when called upon, he furnishes the aerially prolific Dominic Calvert-Lewin with plenty of inviting deliveries from out wide.
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