High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Andrew (Andy) David Townsend (born 23 July 1963) is a former professional footballer, who played in two World Cups for the Republic of Ireland and is now a television and radio pundit. He is considered a Republic of Ireland and Aston Villa legend, having captained his country in a World Cup Finals and having become a member of one of football's most historic and treasured groupings - Aston Villa Football Club trophy winning captains. Starting his career at Welling United and then Weymouth, coming to prominence at age 21 when he signed with Southampton. In 1988 he moved on to Norwich City, before signing with Chelsea two years later. In 1993 he signed with Aston Villa and enjoyed four successful years before his transfer to Middlesbrough. His final club was West Bromwich Albion, where he retired in 2000.