Newcastle’s decision to not pursue Benitez target Andros Townsend this summer may now look like mistake

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Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez could not convince the board to pursue Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend in the summer.

According to a report in the Daily Mirror back in early August, Rafa Benitez was left frustrated with the Newcastle board due to their refusal to try and bring Andros Townsend back to St James’ Park in the summer.

While his form for Crystal Palace may have perhaps left the board able to use the argument that he may not be worth whatever the Eagles wanted for him – his performances have not always captured the imagination since he moved to Selhurst Park – perhaps a decision the Palace hierarchy have made may be the catalyst to make Newcastle’s decision now look like a mistake.

Palace stole many of the headlines this week when they announced that they had parted company with summer appointment Frank De Boer, and they have since replaced him with Roy Hodgson.

While it remains to be seen how Hodgson will do in the role given that it is five years since he managed a club side, Townsend is surely one player who may be delighted to see the 70-year-old arrive.

The former Tottenham player has arguably not shone like he has when he has represented England, seemingly suggesting that Hodgson knows how to bring the best out of him.

And Hodgson will be hoping that his arrival at Palace sees them reignite the success they enjoyed on a number of occasions for the national team – and that may certainly do little to alleviate Benitez’s frustration about reported their lack of action in the summer.