A RISING football star from Chingford has followed in the footsteps of his dad and joined a club in Leyton.

Eighteen-year-old Andros Townsend was unveiled by Leyton Orient last week.

And this week there was nobody prouder than dad Troy, ex-boss of Leyton FC.

His son arrives at Brisbane Road on a one-month loan deal from Premier League Tottenham Hotspur.

A nippy winger, Townsend is certain to add pace to a O’s team which lacks it, if he plays.

Now there are just one and a half miles of neighbourhood between Troy’s old club and young Andros’ new base.

But that is as close as the two get, because the distance between the clubs in England’s football hierarchy is vast, with Leyton FC plying their trade in Ryman League Division One North.

Forty-four year-old Troy said: "It’s fantastic for Andros. Harry Redknapp (Spurs boss) said last week that the best thing for him was to go for a loan and get some games.

"He needs to get matches under his belt and it’s nice that Orient’s local."

A promising footballer himself, Troy’s own career at Millwall and Crystal Palace was hampered by bad luck and lousy agents.

Now his son is carving out his own career, with his dad helping him to navigate the game’s many pitfalls.

He even quit Leyton FC to devote himself to the task.

Troy said: "I’ve been in football a long time and some talented players do fall by the wayside because agents pull out when things dip.

"There’s been many calls from agents who want to know me because Andros is doing well.

"I shield him from everyone and anyone who is trying to get to him, so he can concentrate on football. If his career goes well, he will need protection."

And the youngster himself says dad makes an ideal advisor.

"Some agents can do you over, so it's good to have someone I know and trust," said Andros.

"I can concentrate on my football. And I listen when he gives advice, because I know he knows what he’s talking about."

Last season, Andros was borrowed by Yeovil Town as they battled and then beat relegation.

Then, Troy was up and down the motorways, so this latest move suits everyone.

Andros said: Orient look like a good side. They have brought in some finishers too. I can tell that Geraint WIlliams (O’s boss) knows what he’s talking about from his ideas in training.

"Hopefully I can get a few games under my belt and take that experience back to Spurs."