Former Luton Town winger Andros Townsend has opened up about his regret over leaving the club, expressing his deep admiration for the fans and the strong bond he felt during his short time at Kenilworth Road. Now playing for Turkish side Antalyaspor, the 33-year-old English winger has spoken candidly about how his departure from Luton left him with feelings of remorse, wishing he could turn back the clock to his days with the Hatters.
Townsend joined Luton Town in October 2023, after spending more than a year sidelined by a severe ACL injury that curtailed his time at Everton. Following his release from Everton, the road back to football wasn’t easy for Townsend, with a potential move to Burnley falling through at the last minute. But it was Luton Town, newly promoted to the Premier League, that gave him the opportunity to return to the top flight and reignite his career.
In what turned out to be an emotional few months, Townsend not only found his form on the pitch but also rediscovered his love for the game. Speaking about his time at Luton, Townsend said, “There’s something special about Luton Town—the fans, the team, the community—it’s all so close-knit, and I felt that love every single day. The fans were fantastic. They stood by me, cheered for me, and welcomed me with open arms. I wish I could go back and give more.”
Despite the brevity of his spell at Luton, Townsend made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club in a crucial 1-0 victory over his former team, Newcastle United, in December 2023. That goal endeared him even further to the Luton faithful, who had grown fond of his pace, creativity, and commitment on the wing. By January 2024, Townsend had signed a long-term contract with Luton, solidifying his place in Rob Edwards’ squad and becoming an integral part of the team’s fight for Premier League survival.
However, Townsend’s time with the Hatters came to a sudden and surprising end in September 2024, when a lucrative offer from Turkish side Antalyaspor lured him away. Although the deal was financially beneficial and gave Townsend a fresh challenge, the winger admits now that it wasn’t an easy decision to make.
“I never realized how much Luton had become home to me until I left,” Townsend reflected. “It’s only after you leave a place that you truly understand how much it means to you. Luton gave me a second chance when I was struggling, and I wish I could have stayed and fought harder for my place.”
In his reflections, Townsend acknowledged that his departure from Luton was driven by a desire for new experiences, but he hadn’t anticipated how much he would miss the warmth and support of the Luton Town family. He said, “I thought going to Turkey would be the right move for me at this stage of my career, but honestly, I miss Luton every day. The connection with the fans, the bond with the players—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
Townsend’s move to Antalyaspor has been met with mixed reactions. While some fans understood his decision to seek a new challenge abroad, others were saddened by his departure, having seen in him a player who could have contributed even more to the club’s long-term success. Townsend’s skill set and experience were invaluable, and many Luton fans felt his presence would have been crucial in their ongoing battle to stay in the Premier League.
As Townsend embarks on this new chapter in Turkey, his reflections on Luton Town serve as a reminder of the emotional connection between players and the clubs they serve. “I’ve played for many teams in my career, but Luton will always have a special place in my heart. I wish I could rewind time, stay a little longer, and give back to the fans and the club that believed in me when I needed it most.”
For Luton Town supporters, Townsend’s words will no doubt resonate deeply. His regret over leaving speaks volumes about the kind of player and person Townsend is—one who values loyalty, camaraderie, and the power of football to bring people together.
As the football world watches Townsend’s next steps in the Süper Lig with Antalyaspor, Luton fans will surely look back on his time at Kenilworth Road with fondness, knowing that in his heart, Andros Townsend will always be one of their own.
