Former Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers defender Paul Downing makes career decision - four years on from end of nightmare Fratton Park stay under Kenny Jackett
Former Pompey defender Paul Downing made 27 appearances during a nightmare three-years at Fratton, with 10 of those outings coming in the EFL Trophy
Former Pompey defender Paul Downing has called time on his playing career.
The centre-back has decided to hang up his boots after 12 years in the professional game and three at non-league level, where he spent the latter part of his trade, most recently with Worcester City.
Downing, who will now concentrate on a career in coaching, made the announcement on Friday - the same day that the death of his former Fratton Park boss, Kenny Jackett, at the age of 64 was revealed.
It was Jackett who brought the one-time West Brom trainee to the south coast on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2019.
However, Jackett was also responsible for restricting the player to just 20 Pompey appearances in all competitions in the near 20 months they worked together.
Six of the 11 league appearances Downing made for the Blues during his three-year stint at the club came in the opening weeks of the 2019-20 season.
Yet, after starting the 2-2 draw against Burton on September 17, 2019. the now 34-year-old would have to wait until April 27, 2021 for his next league runout for Pompey, with Jackett’s successor Danny Cowley reintegrating him to the first-team environment as a 61st-minute substitute in the 3-3 draw away to Accrington.
The unfortunate Downing would feature just another six times for the Blues as a loan spell at Rochadale over the second half of the 2021-22 season preceded his departure on a free transfer in May 2022.
Now, four years on from his torrid three years at PO4 and after spells at Hereford, Kidderminster and Worcester, the defender is putting his playing days behind him to concentrate on the next stage of his career.
‘It has been a rollercoaster of a journey’
Posting on Instagram, Downing wrote: ‘After 12 years as a professional and 3 in non league I have decided it’s time I retired from the playing side of football.
‘Like any footballer I would love to carry on but feel it’s time I accepted the reality and embrace the fantastic new opportunity I have been given.
‘It has been a rollercoaster of a journey but I feel blessed to have had the career I did and fulfil my dream as young boy growing up.
‘I look back now proud of what I’ve achieved in such a competitive and unforgiving industry. I want to thank all my ex team mates I met along the way, I have made memories and friends for life. To all the managers, backroom staff and fans of the 11 clubs I represented throughout my career thank you for the support and giving me the opportunity to play football for a living.
‘Football is my passion and it’s all I’ve known since leaving school. Even though the playing side is over I am excited and hungry to begin my next chapter in coaching.’
‘There were definitely some difficult times’ at Pompey
Speaking to The News five months after Jackett was sacked by Pompey, Downing admitted he experienced ‘tough times’ under his former manager.
However, he said he remained committed to his responsibilities to the club regardless of the situation.
‘If you ask anyone in the group, hopefully they will say I have tried to remain consistent in what I did, said Downing in July 2021.
‘I was obviously very disappointed with how it went under the last manager, there were definitely some difficult times.
‘But my mentality to come in, train hard and keep myself fit hopefully shows a lot about my character.
‘I’ve got a lot of personal pride in my profession and want to always try my best. I feel very privileged to play for Pompey and be a professional footballer.
‘Obviously there are often stories of people giving up and starting to become toxic, but that’s not in my nature.
‘I have a good support network behind me with my family and friends, I didn’t ever lose hope.’
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