Name: Andy Townsend

Full name: Andrew Townsend

Date of birth: 23 July 1963

Place of birth: Lambeth, London, England

Nationality: Republic of Ireland (represented Republic of Ireland at international level)

Position: Midfielder (central/holding midfielder)

Club career (selected):

• Norwich City (1985–1989) — Made his name at Norwich, playing a key role in their successful mid-1980s side.
• Newcastle United (loan, 1985)
• Chelsea (1989–1993) — Regular first-team midfielder following transfer from Norwich.
• Aston Villa (1993–1998) — Important midfield presence; played in the 1994 League Cup-winning side and in top-flight football throughout his Villa spell.
• Coventry City (1998–2001)
• Later played for lower-league/non-league teams before retiring from playing.

International career (Republic of Ireland):

• Caps: 70+
• Goals: Several (exact total commonly reported as 7)
• Major tournaments: Represented the Republic of Ireland at UEFA Euro 1988 and the 1990 FIFA World Cup and 1994 FIFA World Cup squads; played prominently in qualifying and finals during Ireland’s successful late-1980s/early-1990s period.

Playing style: A combative, intelligent central midfielder known for defensive solidity, positional awareness, good passing range and leadership on the pitch.

Post-playing career: After retirement, Townsend has worked as a football pundit and commentator for television and radio, and has been involved in media coverage of club and international matches.

Notable honours:

• League Cup winner with Aston Villa (1994)
• Part of Republic of Ireland squads that achieved notable World Cup runs (1990 quarter-final/semifinal stages context) and Euro 1988 appearance.

Sources / notes: Career appearance and goal totals vary by source; the information above summarizes widely reported facts about Andy Townsend’s playing and post-playing career.