I feel sorry for Townsend really. He's clearly not a bad keeper and just played for us when everyone was playing terribly and was low on confidence. He's been unable to displace Davies, generally due to Davies' own good form, and Davies hasn't had any injuries or suspensions either. If I were Townsend I'd desperately want to move on because he's not played a competitive game for nearly 2 years. Other trialist tonight incidentally is Jerome Slew: former Sheffield United with first team experience on loan at Matlock Town
He can't play tonight for the U23s because if Davies picked up an injury between now and the game tomorrow he'd have to play so clearly wouldn't be good for him to have to play twice in 24 hours. It's the reason he's not been able to go on loan - we've needed him in case of injury or suspension to Davies; but that hasn't happened at all
He's had a range of experience in England, Scotland and France including St Mirren https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Dilo
I remember the name bit never knew if i'd just made it up as a youngster or not .... did he actually play for us or just on trial?
Townsend only plays in the u23 games when they aren’t within a day or two of a first team game. Be crazy to give him 90 mins today followed by a long coach journey home & then expect him to be fresh & ready if Davies went down injured early doors tomorrow. And he’s highly rated down at Oakwell. If he goes it’ll be because he wants first team football & not because the club don’t rate him.
Given '"hes the best young goalkeeper ive ever seen" I would have thought he have gone to Bristol city for millions
I have watched Townsend this season in the under 23"s & he has looked good , cannot understand this constant negativity towards the lad
I agree he needs to move on. Davies mistakes still aren't giving him a sniff of a game. Not like he's Raimond van De Gouw who barely played a first team game in six years at Manchester United but has medals for two Premier Leagues, 1 FA Cup, 1 Champions League and 2 Charity Shields.
We still need another 4 keepers if the French bloke turns out to be good - 5 if Townsend goes to Port Vale.
I think Davies’ record consecutive run of appearances has possibly played a part in him keeping his place. Hard to drop him when Davies has publicly spoke about it & how proud it makes him
I also hear townsend is moving to port vale how true not sure but good luck to him I suppose he wants game time .
I heard Townsend asked for a move in January and it was turned down. He then smashed his locker up because of it