ANDROS IS MAN OF THE THATCH
Surgery claim after new look
ENGLAND star Andros Townsend has sparked claims he’s had a hair transplant thanks to his mighty mane.
Snaps show the Crystal Palace player’s locks looking much fuller than they did three years ago.
And a leading surgeon says the results are most likely down to a transplant.
Dr Asim Shahmalak said Townsend had gone from having thinning hair to a full head.
The doc, from Crown Clinic in Manchester, said: “Andros appears to have ‘done a Rooney’ and had a hair transplant – that is the only FOOTBALL giant Peter Crouch is learning how to become a magician.
The former England hotshot has team-mates scratching their heads with his off-the-field wizardry.
And he revealed one of his new year resolutions is to gain membership of the Magic Circle.
The Stoke City striker, 37, has been fascinated by magic since he was a lad and tries his tricks on the Championship side’s players.
He regularly goes from table to table on the conclusion you can draw from the dramatic change.
“He looks years younger and has got a fantastic result.
“From having thin hair right across the front of his scalp, he now has a wonderfully full head and thick bushy hair right across his hairline.”
He said he had seen a 30% increase in Premier League players having hair transplants over the last five years. Dr team coach armed with his deck of cards, coins, bits of rope and sponge balls.
His Stoke pals are secretly hoping the 6ft 7in hitman will dazzle them at their Christmas party – although dad-of-three Peter doesn’t believe he is good enough for public appearances just yet.
The beanpole forward, married to 32-year-old model Abbey Clancy, longs to join magic’s governing body so he can mix with some of Shahmalak, who has helped players including ex-Manchester City star Didi Hamann, said: “The reason is because they need to protect their images rights which can be worth millions each year.
“The stark truth is that big brands don’t want to work with bald stars – they want ambassadors who look young and fresh.
“So increasing numbers are secretly going under the knife to keep their sponsors happy. Also, their wives or girlfriends are often models and they want them to look good.”
You can see the difference in Townsend’s hair in our photo the world’s most gifted entertainers.
One friend said: “Peter really pulls off the tricks he’s learned very well.
“But like all good magicians he won’t tell the boys how they are done.
“He has got a real interest in perfecting these stunts and has taught himself from scratch just by reading books.”
A spokesman for the Magic Circle said: “We hope Peter can meet the criteria required. We welcome members from all walks of life.” from Crystal Palace’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month.
Dr Shahmalak, whose patients include Calum Best, also treated several big-name footie players who preferred to keep their transplants private.
He said: “I get players approaching me regularly who need help with their hair. They will get in touch just as the season is coming to a close.”
Townsend’s representative declined to comment.