'A lot of change' - Conor Townsend's first words after West Brom return
The returning left-back is at The Hawthorns again after two years away...
Returning arrival Conor Townsend hopes he bring some useful leadership amid a lot of change in the two years he has been away from Albion.
The experienced left-back sealed his Baggies comeback on a one-year contract late on Friday night.
He checked in as a free agent after leaving Ipswich, where he spent the last two seasons after swapping the Black Country for Suffolk in a £750,000 in 2024.
There has been much change at The Hawthorns while Townsend has been away, not least former coach James Morrison now in charge, and the left-back - who turns 34 this season - hopes he can bring his experience and knowhow to party.
“Everyone knows how much I loved it here the first time and it has been a big part of my life and my career so far, so I’m delighted to get the chance to come back,” said Townsend.
“It means a lot. This is the club that gave me my chance at a high level and I’ve got so many good memories here, like getting to the Premier League and making my Premier League debut.
“It’s always going to be a club that holds a special place in my heart, so to have the chance to come back is amazing.
“It’s only been two years since I left but there has been a lot of change in the squad. I’ve managed to see the lads today, so it’s been brilliant to catch up and I can’t wait to get started.
“Experience is a big thing now, so I hope to bring that and leadership to the squad. It’s a younger group than it was when I was here the first time, so if I can help the younger boys in any way then I’ll do my very best to do that.”
Townsend made 213 appearances for Albion in his six-year spell at the club, where he also won promotion to the Premier League in 2020.
Only midfield duo Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby and winger Mikey Johnston remain from Townsend’s first spell with the Baggies.
The left-back made just 10 appearances for the Tractor Boys and none throughout the entirety of last season, which was marred by an ACL injury suffered on the eve of the campaign.
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