Suggests that in fact he was contracted for this season, or he'd have been in the same situation as Bennett and Matt.

May have had a year extension clause written into his contract. I'm sure his agent wouldn't have let the club keep it quiet if he was in the same situation as Bennett and Matt were.

Yes, must have extended during the season. An uncontracted second-choice keeper would surely have been first out the door as a luxury in the circumstances the club found itself in.

Well, whatever the reasons, I'm pleased we still have him at the club. His presence alone should keep King on his toes, and if he does come into the team we know he will be up to it.

Personally I think he is actually a better all round keeper than King.

I think they are both decent keepers,Townsend is number 2 but,it doesn't weaken the side when he plays.

Is it just me that finds his lack of height a problem? I don't want to come across as short-ist but does create a slight problem for a goalkeeper. To compensate for his reduced stature he would need to advance towards the ball to reduce the angle. Which then makes him susceptible to being chipped.

I used to say the same thing about Fabian Barthez but they weren't having it.

I knew I was right, though.

wattsville_boy wrote:Is it just me that finds his lack of height a problem? I don't want to come across as short-ist but does create a slight problem for a goalkeeper. To compensate for his reduced stature he would need to advance towards the ball to reduce the angle. Which then makes him susceptible to being chipped.

I was a goalkeeper. My six foot three inches never prevented me from being inept.

You can be too tall. I remember a keeper a few years ago with York and Accrington who was 6'8" and I believe officially the tallest player in the league, but it's a long way down and the one time I saw him he was useless.