The former Portsmouth man taking on major transfer role at chaotic Championship rivals as ex-Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and West Brom figure steps up
The former Leeds United, West Brom and Nottingham Forest man knew crazy times at Fratton Park - and is now once again working under one of the game’s most volatile and trigger-happy owners at Watford.
He’s well used to football havoc after his time spent at Fratton Park 13 years ago.
And that may well hold him in good stead for the months ahead, given he is set to take on a leading role in the transfer business of one of the most chaotic clubs in English football.
Former Pompey man takes on transfer role at Vicarage Road
Former Blues director of recruitment, Luke Dowling, is due to take on a consultancy role at Championship rivals Watford this summer
Dowling’s time at Fratton Park covered Pompey’s second period of administration in two years under Convers Sports Initiatives in 2012.
He had the monumental challenge of cutting the playing budget to the bone back then - hacking it back to £1.4m amid the club’s battle to remain in existence.
Dowling remained until the start of 2013 before following Michael Appleton to Blackburn Rovers, as he and goalkeeping coach John Keeley both moved to Ewood Park.
The 47-year-old has also taken on roles with Leeds United, West Brom and Nottingham Forest, along with a four-year stint as sporting director at Vicarage Road from 2014 to 2018.
His career took a leftfield turn last year as Dowling was named sporting director at Nigerian outfit Sporting Lagos, though he was touted for a return to the Championship at former club West Brom in 2026.
Now it’s Watford where his focus is set to lie in the months ahead, with the summer transfer window opening on June 15.
Dowling is believed to have a decent relationship with Italian Gino Pozzo, who is renowned to be the ultimate example of a trigger-happy owner in English football from his 14 years at the helm with the Hornets.
Incredibly the club have had a mind-blowing 24 managerial appointments since his arrival in the summer of 2012 - and they are currently looking for a new incumbent for the hottest of hot-seats after Ed Still left earlier this month.
Dowling will be afforded a ‘hands-on role’ with the club’s recruitment, according to the Watford Observer, with his remit to bring in players with knowledge of the Championship and leadership qualities.
That is a departure from bringing in players from across the globe, who have development potential and can see their transfer value increased.
Dowling’s influence will increase amid a change behind the scenes at Watford with current sporting directors, Gian Luca Nani, taking on a transfer consultant role and former Swiss international Valon Behrami also involved in that area.