Conor Townsend has to take every chance every chance he gets at Ipswich Town.
With opportunities limited, he has to perform whenever he’s picked to start. He certainly did that at Nottingham Forest on Monday night, playing the full 120 minutes before his side were eliminated from the FA Cup on penalties.
“By the end of tonight, I was really, really tired,” he admitted after the game.
“I haven’t had too many minutes going into this, but it’s good for me in the legs. Hopefully it’s not the end of my season and I’ve got a part to play, whatever that may be.”
There aren’t many outfield players who reach the start of March and realise that they may not feature again in the campaign, but that’s the nature of Townsend’s role.
He finds himself behind Leif Davis in the pecking order at Portman Road, which is a tough position to be in. Davis has played in 26 of Town’s 27 Premier League games, clocking up a total of 2,283 minutes – the most of any player in their entire squad.
To contrast, Townsend has played just 136 minutes in the league. Most of his appearances have come in cup competitions, meaning that he’s had to remain fit and patient despite a lack of competitive action.
“It’s different to what I’ve been used to,” he said. “For the last six years, I’ve played every minute I possibly could at West Brom, really.
“I knew my role signing here. At the beginning it was to try and push Leif and try to be the best team-mate that I could. I feel like I’ve done that.
“Leif has been great all season. There are no qualms from me. For me, it’s always about being ready when called upon, if Leif gets injured or has a loss of form. I don’t think he has, I think he’s been great.
“For me, being part of the squad and being a good team-mate, helping with my experience in other areas, has been my role this season. That’s fine.
“I’ve tried to be ready for when I’ve been called upon and played a little bit more in the last few games with Leif being injured and ill. I feel like I’ve slotted in and done my job.
“Hopefully the fans can see that.”
Townsend’s summer move came as a bit of a shock. Although Ipswich were always expected to bring in cover for Davis, it wasn’t expected to be an experienced Championship regular from a side who reached the play-offs last season.
Ultimately, the allure of top-flight football proved to be too much, even in a reduced role.
“I’m confident in my own ability,” Townsend argued. “I was at West Brom for a long time, but the opportunity to come back to the Premier League is one I couldn’t turn down.
“The club, as soon as I signed, I felt it. The whole town is on the up and it’s such a lovely place to be around. The first few games, like the Liverpool game, stick in my mind. The town was on such a buzz and it’s nice to be a part of it this season.
“Hopefully we can give the fans something else to shout about by staying in the league. It seems like everybody else is writing us off but I don’t think we’re anywhere near done.”
Townsend always has to be on his toes. He played an entire half against Liverpool at Anfield after Davis was sick at the interval. He then earned his first Premier League start since May 2021 a few weeks later when the first-choice left-back picked up a knock.
His performances have been so impressive that some supporters have called for him to start over Davis when both players are fit, although that seems unlikely at this stage.
“I’m not sure – that’s one for the gaffer,” Townsend chuckled when asked. “Like I said, I think Leif has been great this season.
“There are no qualms from me about him not playing well and me not getting an opportunity. I don’t think that’s been the case.
“As long as whoever is playing there does well and we’re getting results – I think Leif would probably say the same – it doesn’t really matter who’s playing.
“I’ll support Leif when he’s playing and vice versa.”
That being said, Townsend is aware that his recent showings have earned him the support and respect of Ipswich’s fans. On top of that, it’s clear to see that he relishes his role in the squad.
He never sulks or demands extra game time, but simply does whatever he’s asked to do. That, in his eyes, is what’s best for the team.
“I think I’ve done what I needed to,” he explained. “It’s obviously hard following Leif, he’s very attack-minded, but I’ve got my own qualities that I feel I can bring to the team.
“I still feel that I can help the team in these last 11 games, whatever that may be.
“I obviously try and do my best while on the pitch, be a leader and help the lads that are in the team – the younger lads. I feel like I did that when I’ve been called upon.
“Long may it continue.”
Leave a Reply