TURF LOVE

Kompany has no regrets letting tearful Townsend go... and insists his call was right for all concerned

- DAVID ANDERSON

VINCENT KOMPANY has no regrets over his decision to dump Andros Townsend and leave the former England midfielder in tears.

Townsend revealed he broke down when Burnley boss Kompany went back on his offer of a one-year deal in August because he did not want him blocking the development of his new, younger players.

The former Tottenham winger, who was released by Everton in July after being out since March 2022 with a serious knee injury, returns to Turf Moor tonight with Luton and Kompany (right) insists his call benefited everyone.

Townsend, 32, has flourished at Luton, earning a new longer-term deal at the start of this month, while Kompany is happy with the progress of Luca Koleosho, 19, Wilson Odobert, 19, and Jacob Bruun Larsen, 25.