Michael Townsend hopes that rediscovering his top form will persuade Cheltenham Town fans to forgive him for a verbal tirade he launched in their direction earlier in the season.

The central defender has produced some commanding performances to help the Robins go four games unbeaten.

He was given the captain's armband in last Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic following an injury to Alan Wright.

It completed a remarkable turnaround for a player who was allowed to spend three months on loan at Barnet between October and January and could have remained at Underhill for the rest of the campaign.

His recent performances have been in stark contrast to the start of the season, when Cheltenham and Townsend, who returned from a long lay-off through illness and injury, struggled during a run of heavy defeats.

Townsend allowed his frustrations to boil over in the 4-1 defeat at Hartlepool United last September – Keith Downing's final match as manager.

Although he denies making obscene gestures, the 22-year-old regrets reacting to some unsavoury remarks that came his way from the stands.

"I was very frustrated after some bad results, but I know that's not the fans' problem and they are allowed to voice their opinions," Townsend said.

"I was naïve and a bit hot-headed and I had a bit of a shout back at them, which was not the right thing to do and I apologise. It was a moment of weakness and I didn't want to upset the fans, but getting back to my best is my way of saying sorry to anyone I upset that day."

Tomorrow's trip to Walsall will be a special occasion for Black Country boy Townsend, who lives down the road from the Bescot Stadium.

His parents were both Saddlers fans, but have now been converted to dedicated Robins followers.

"It's a particularly important match for me as it's my home club and I am very much looking forward to it," Townsend said.

"My last game before I got ill was at Walsall last season, but I want to forget about that now and concentrate on doing my best every week."

Townsend, who has made 93 starts for Cheltenham, is contracted to the club until 2010.