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Stewart Downing

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Stewart Downing
Downing playing for Liverpool
Personal information
Full name Stewart Downing
Date of birth (1984-07-22) 22 July 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth Middlesbrough, England
Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Liverpool
Number 19
Youth career
2001 Middlesbrough
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2001–2009 Middlesbrough 181 (17)
2003 → Sunderland (loan) 7 (3)
2009–2011 Aston Villa 63 (9)
2011– Liverpool 36 (0)
International career‡
2004–2005 England U21 8 (0)
2005– England 33 (0)
2007 England B 1 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23 March 2012
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 30 February 2012

Stewart Downing (born 22 July 1984) is an English Footballer who plays for Liverpool and the England national team, primarily as a winger who can play on either side. He blames his lack of success this season down to playing a charity game in which a young Mackenzie Nichol took him on and made him look like he wouldn't even do a job for haxby reserves and he hasn't been the same player since.Downing has previously played for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Sunderland, and has won the Football League Cup twice in his career.

Club career

Middlesbrough

Downing was born in Middlesbrough. He was considered one of the most promising graduates of the Middlesbrough Academy.

Downing playing for Middlesbrough

His debut came on 24 April 2002 in a FA Premier League game away at Ipswich Town. He was limited to just three appearances during that season, plus a further three the following season despite scoring his first senior goal in a 4–1 League Cup victory over Brentford. He was sent out on loan to Sunderland in 2003 in order to gain experience. His first-team chances at Middlesbrough were limited due to the form of Bolo Zenden in the left-midfield slot. Downing's career began to take-off when he was recalled from his loan during an injury crisis and was pushed into the first-team.

The 2004–05 season saw Downing make forty-nine appearances, scoring six goals, as well as providing numerous assists. In a UEFA Cup match against Lazio in November 2004, both Downing and Zenden were in the starting line-up. Though Zenden scored both goals in the 2–0 victory, Downing drew praise for his performance down the left. Such performances that season saw him called up to Sven Göran Eriksson's England squad in February 2005 for a friendly against the Netherlands.[2]

A knee injury saw Downing sidelined for five months at the end of 2005,[3] though he returned to play his part in the run to the 2006 UEFA Cup Final, including three assists in the 4–2 (4–3 agg) victory over Steaua Bucharest in the semi-final second leg.[4]

On 26 February 2008, Downing signed a new five-year contract, keeping him signed on at Middlesbrough until summer 2013.[5] With the departure of Mark Schwarzer in May 2008, Downing became Middlesbrough's second longest serving player after Brad Jones.

The 2008–09 season was a mixed one for Downing. Middlesbrough had their best start to the season in six years which saw them climb to 8th in the table, however, a terrible winless run which started in November 2008 saw them fall into the relegation zone. On the 5 January 2009, he handed in a written transfer request expressing his desire to leave the club but the request was turned down on the same day.[6] In the penultimate match of the season, he sustained a foot injury after a challenge from Stiliyan Petrov in a home game against Aston Villa in May, which needed an operation, ruling him out for at least four months.[7] After spending the whole of the second half of the season in the relegation zone, Middlesbrough were relegated on the final day after they lost 2–1 away at West Ham United. Downing, having started every league game, except the last match, ended the season with no league goals, having only scored two against West Ham United in the FA Cup.

Aston Villa

Following Middlesbrough's relegation, Downing signed a four-year contract with Aston Villa, becoming Martin O'Neill's first signing of the 2009 Summer transfer window for a fee of £10 million with an extra £2 million to be paid depending on appearances.[8] On 7 November 2009, O'Neill announced that Downing had returned to full training following his injury against Villa while playing for Middlesbrough during the 2008–09 season. Downing made his Aston Villa début coming on as a 69th minute substitute for Steve Sidwell in the away game versus Burnley.[9] He scored his first goal for Villa in the Carling Cup fourth round tie against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on 1 December 2009.[10]

Downing's return to action saw him returning to his preferred left wing role, with James Milner moving to central midfield for Villa. Downing played in Villa's first win at Old Trafford against Manchester United since 1983 on 12 December 2009 in their 1–0 victory over the Red Devils. Downing then went on to score his first and second league goal for Villa in their 5–2 win against Burnley on 2 February 2010. His second season with Aston Villa has been a much improved one, he scored the first Premier League goal of the season against West Ham United at Villa Park on the 14 August in a 3–0 win. His next goal came against Stoke City with a brilliant curling header on the 13 September. Against Aston Villa's rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park, he scored his third goal of the season from a Marc Albrighton cross. In the Carling Cup game versus Burnley, he scored an extra-time winner to send Villa through to the next round. On the 10 November he scored his fifth of the season against Blackpool which saw Villa win the match 3–2. On 21 November 2010, Downing started and played the full 90 minutes against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in a 2–0 defeat. He netted his sixth of the season against Villa rival's West Brom. On 26 February, Downing scored against Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park in a match which Villa went on to win 4–1. In the final game of the season, Downing scored his eighth against Liverpool at Villa Park with the result ending 1–0. At the end of the 2010–2011 season Downing made 44 appearances and scored 8 goals in all competitions and was probably one of their best players throughout the campaign along with Ashley Young. He has currently played in 79 games for the Villa and scored 11 goals for the club in total. Downing was the subject of much speculation over the summer, with Liverpool showing a great deal of interest in the winger. On 6 July, Liverpool tabled a bid of £15 million for Downing but this was quickly rejected by Villa, who said they would not let Downing go for less than £20m.[11] New Villa boss Alex McLeish then stated that Downing was not for sale and he would not be leaving Villa in the summer.[12] However, on 13 July 2011, a fee was agreed between Aston Villa and Liverpool for the transfer of Downing.[13]

Liverpool

Downing playing for Liverpool in 2011

Downing completed his move to Liverpool on 15 July 2011, for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £16 million on a four-year contract.[14] On Saturday 13 August 2011, Downing made his debut in Liverpool's first game of the 2011–12 Premier League, in a 1–1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield, playing the full 90 minutes. On Saturday 20 August 2011, he started and played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal in a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.[15]. On 18 December 2011 Downing returned to Villa Park to a chorus of boos from the Villa fans. Liverpool defeated his former club 0-2 with goals from Craig Bellamy and Martin Škrtel. On 6 January 2012, Downing scored his first goal for Liverpool against Oldham Althetic at Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup.[16] On 26 February he won the League Cup with Liverpool, scoring his penalty in the shoot-out and winning the Alan Hardaker Trophy as Man of the Match.[17]. On 18 March he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Stoke City in the FA Cup quarter-final, securing a second Wembley visit for Liverpool in the semi-finals. He missed a penalty against Chelsea on 8th May just before half time. He also became the first player in seven years to miss three consecutive penalty kicks in the Premier League.[18] Downing managed no league goals and no assists over the entire league season, even after taking one penalty and 72 shots.

International career

Downing was first called up as a 19-year-old for the 2003 UEFA European U-19 Championship. With seven Under-21 caps to his credit, Downing made his England debut on 9 February 2005 in a home friendly, played at Villa Park against the Netherlands, replacing Shaun Wright-Phillips in the second half.[19]

Downing's international career took a setback in May 2005 when he was injured during a training session with England on their tour of the United States, keeping him out of action until 2006. Downing was included in the England World Cup squad in May 2006 by Sven-Göran Eriksson,[20] primarily as a back-up for Joe Cole, and came on as a second half substitute in England's victorious opening game against Paraguay.[21] He was brought on once again in the match against Trinidad and Tobago, when England scored two goals in the last ten minutes.[22]

On 16 August 2006, Downing made his first start for England, as Greece were beaten by 4–0, with Downing involved in three of the goals.[23] He started the subsequent three Euro 2008 qualifiers, against Andorra and the Republic of Macedonia. His performances drew criticism from the press, with many stating that Downing was only being selected due to his friendship with manager Steve McClaren. However, Downing hopes to have proven many of his critics wrong after Fabio Capello became the third successive England manager to give him an England cap, on 26 March 2008 in a 1–0 friendly defeat to France.[24] He was also called up (alongside Middlesbrough teammate David Wheater) for Capello's friendlies against United States and Trinidad and Tobago, where he received the nod ahead of Ashley Young. His performance justified his selection by contributing with the first two goals and won praise from the press who had previously slated his inclusion in the squad.[25] A few months after Capello took charge of England, the Italian boss stated that he had been most impressed by Downing.[26][27] He was chosen again by Capello to replace Aaron Lennon for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on the 12 October 2010.[28] His second season with Aston Villa saw him recalled to the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Career statistics

As of 14 May 2012
Club performance League Cup League Cup Continental Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists
England League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
2001–02 Middlesbrough Premier League 3 0 - - - - - - - - 3 0 -
2002–03 2 0 - 0 0 - 1 1 - - 3 1 -
2003–04 20 0 - 2 0 - 2 0 - - 24 0 -
Sunderland First Division 7 3 - - - - 7 3 -
2004–05 Middlesbrough Premier League 35 5 11 2 0 - 2 0 - 9 1 - 48 6 11
2005–06 12 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 4 26 1 4
2006–07 34 2 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 - 42 2 0
2007–08 38 9 0 5 1 0 2 0 0 - 45 10 0
2008–09 37 0 3 5 2 - 1 0 - - 43 2 3
2009–10 Aston Villa 25 2 1 6 0 4 4 1 1 - 35 3 6
2010–11 38 7 8 3 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 44 8 8
2011–12 Liverpool 36 0 0 6 2 2 4 0 0 - 46 2 2
Career totals 270 29 23 39 5 6 19 3 1 19 1 4 366 38 30

Honours

Club

Middlesbrough
Liverpool

Individual

Personal life

Downing has been involved in several charitable and community projects outside his playing career. He supports the nationwide No Messin' campaign, along with freestyler Colin Nell and boxer Amir Khan, warning youngsters against playing on railway lines. Downing held a charity dinner with special guest boxer Ricky Hatton to raise funds for the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle Upon Tyne in February 2008.[29] The hospital had cared for Vicky, Stewart's sister, who died of leukaemia in 1993 at the age of 4. The honorary position of president of Middlesbrough Futsal Club was bestowed on Downing in December 2007. During his spare time Downing has DJ-ed at several nightclubs in Middlesbrough[30] while also playing sets in Ibiza among other places.[31]

Downing's former agent Ian Elliott was arrested by Cleveland Police in September 2008 after he was reported to the police by the player himself after he had concerns "regarding the way his and his company's affairs [had] been handled". He told Middlesbrough about his concerns some time earlier and the club advised him to involve lawyers and accountants to investigate, while The FA acted as liaison between the police and the club.[32]

Downing was arrested on suspicion of assault early in the morning of 8 January 2012, after an alleged confrontation with a former girlfriend. However, he was subsequently released without charge when it was proved that Downing was not in the Cross Keys pub in Yarm, Teesside, at the time of the assault. [33]

References

  1. ^ http://www.premierleague.com/page/PlayerProfile/0,,12306~5685,00.html Premier League Player Profile accessed 10 March 2011
  2. ^ "England call up Johnson & Downing". BBC Sport. 5 February 2005. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  3. ^ "World Cup scouting – Stewart Downing". BBC Sport. 25 March 2006. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  4. ^ "M'brough 4–2 S B'chrst (agg 4–3)". BBC Sport. 27 April 2006. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  5. ^ "Downing signs new Boro contract". BBC Sport. 26 February 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  6. ^ "Boro determined to keep Downing". BBC Sport. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 5 January 2009.
  7. ^ Stewart Downing to undergo foot surgery
  8. ^ "Boro won't splash Downing cash". The Evening Gazette. 20 July 2009. Retrieved 20 July 2009.
  9. ^ Paul Fletcher (21 November 2009). "Burnley 1–1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport.
  10. ^ "Portsmouth 2–4 Aston Villa". BBC. 1 December 2009. Retrieved 1 December 2009.
  11. ^ "Liverpool fail in Downing bid". Sky Sports. 6 July 2011. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  12. ^ "McLeish – Downing not for sale". Sky Sports. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  13. ^ "Reds agree Downing fee". Liverpool FC. 13 July 2011. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  14. ^ http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/reds-seal-downing-deal
  15. ^ "Liverpool 1 Sunderland 1". Daily Telegraph. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 16 August 2011.
  16. ^ "Liverpool 5-1 Oldham" BBC Sport. 6 January 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
  17. ^ "League-Cup winning Liverpool winger Stewart Downing hails "brilliant" Cardiff City" Goal.com. 26 February 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  18. ^ https://twitter.com/#!/OptaJoe/status/200166477616250880
  19. ^ "England 0–0 Holland". BBC Sport. 9 February 2005. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  20. ^ "Walcott & Lennon in England squad". BBC Sport. 8 May 2006. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  21. ^ "England 1–0 Paraguay". BBC Sport. 10 June 2006. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  22. ^ "England 2–0 Trinidad and Tobago". BBC Sport. 15 June 2006. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  23. ^ "England 4–0 Greece". BBC Sport. 16 August 2006. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  24. ^ "France 1–0 England". BBC Sport. 26 March 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  25. ^ "Opinion: Why Stewart Downing offers a great World Cup route". 2 June 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  26. ^ "Capello praises Boro star Downing". Evening Gazette. 10 June 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  27. ^ "Capello Impressed By Downing". Vitalfootball.co.uk. 10 June 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  28. ^ "Downing to replace Lennon for Montenegro". Aston Villa FC. 9 October 2010. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  29. ^ http://ts15.gazettelive.co.uk/2007/12/in_memory_of_vicky.html
  30. ^ "Stewart Downing wants to put Sunderland in a spin". Daily Mirror. UK. 6 April 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  31. ^ http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/stewart-downing-in-10-facts
  32. ^ "Downing's former agent arrested". BBC Sport. 3 September 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2008.
  33. ^ "Liverpool's Stewart Downing will not face charges following arrest". The Guardian. 3 February 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
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