Townsend started his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers as a youth team player where he signed a three-year scholarship. He impressed in the youth teams and was quickly promoted to the reserve side where he established himself as a regular for two seasons. Having not made the breakthrough into the first team Townsend was released by manager Dave Jones at the end of the 2003–04 season.

Spells with Cheltenham Town, Barnet and Hereford followed, where Michael made over 200 Football League appearances. Townsend then served as Club Captain for the Lambs under Boro’ Assistant Manager Dale Belford. Most recently Michael has enjoyed spells with Rushall Olympic, Wolves Sporting and Quorn.

Welcome to the Boro' Michael