Rovers have announced their first signing of the summer transfer window by clinching the highly-rated veteran midfielder, Stewart Downing, who has put pen-to-paper on a 12-month deal, which is set to end in June 2020.
After being hotly rated and tracked by the likes of Steven Gerrard’s Rangers, Sunderland and several MLS clubs, Tony Mowbray managed to secure a deal for the 34-year old Middlesbrough academy graduate, after long admiring his services and the experience that he has to offer.
The former England international arrives at Ewood Park with an excellent CV under his belt, having represented his nation on 35 occasions, including 3 substitute appearances at the 2006 World Cup. Alongside his exploits on the world stage, Downing was also part of the Euro 2012 squad under Roy Hodgson but failed to make an appearance. In terms of domestic achievements, whilst the 34-year old has commanded a total of £45m in transfer fees, over the course of his career, his medal collection remains one which will help inspire the current crop at Rovers to achieve their own, with Downing holding 2 Player of the Season awards, from Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, respectively, alongside 2 League Cup medals to his name, as well as a 2005-06 UEFA Cup runners-up medal, from his time at Middlesbrough.
Despite being in the twilight of his career, the winger’s technical ability and experience cannot be faulted, and will be a key jigsaw piece within the Rovers dressing room and training ground for the young midfield players within the squad, such as Jacob Davenport and Harry Chapman, and with Downing being able to operate both, out wide and in any of the central roles, he will no doubt prove to be a key squad player for the winter months of the season and the fixture congestion, and with a potential eye on his post-playing days, this move could be the catalyst for Mowbray to potentially add to his coaching department.
Once he had settled at Brockhall, the midfielder took some time out to speak to the club’s media team to reflect on his new environment and his new club;
“It feels very good to be here, because, after speaking with the manager, this was the only place where I wanted to play my football. He (Mowbray) didn’t have to do a lot to sell the club and his ideas to me, because everyone knows how big Blackburn Rovers are, and I’ve seen it first-hand down the years as an opposition player, the fans are passionate and the infrastructure is great, but overall, the manager was the key factor in me being here, as I know him well and have spoken to some people at Middlesbrough who know him well, so thankfully it’s all been completed early.
“The gaffer’s got a really good reputation in the game, and I’ve always liked the ways his teams have played. Even last season, when we at Boro, faced them, they were really resolute and played some nice, attractive football. Obviously, with me being a Boro fan, he’s one of my heroes and I have a lot of respect for him, which was a major positive for me in making a decision to come here. The first goal for me is to try and get into the team by working hard during pre-season, then, once the gaffer believes I’m ready to play, I’ll put a shift in whatever position he decides to play me in, as I’m not really bothered what position he believes suits me.
“I think this is a club on the up and the gaffer is certainly building a good team that is capable of finishing higher than they did last season. I was quite excited about the prospect of coming in and helping the younger players develop their game, which is something he talked to me about, but in terms of overall squad aims, I certainly believe this squad has enough to push for the playoffs come the business end of this upcoming campaign. Alongside wanting to help the youngsters, I think competition for places helps both, me and them, as it helps create that drive and determination within the squad for wanting to beat your teammate to the shirt on a weekend, which is healthy for a club’s dressing room to have.
“There’s a lot of ambition within this club and it’s exciting to be a part of. Hopefully, using a blend of youth, talent and experience within the dressing room, we can achieve the manager’s aims and finish the season towards the top end of the division.”
