Boro's Ambition Persuaded Downing

If nothing else Stewart Downing’s transfer to Middlesbrough a few weeks ago was a statement of intent, proof that Boro chairman and fan Steve Gibson is prepared to pull out all the stops in an attempt to return to England’s top division.  

Stewart Downing back in red and white at Middlesbrough

To the 35,000 fans it is more than that; it’s the return of a past hero, a home-grown product and ultimately a Premier League star which has helped rejuvenate fans after last season’s play-off defeat.

Downing’s move from West Ham for a reported £5.5 million certainly raised a couple of eyebrows in the nation’s capital, not least because new Hammers manager Slavan Bilic expressed that he wanted the English winger to stay at the London club where he performed admirably last season.

Downing also admitted other Premier League clubs, including Boro’s local neighbours Sunderland, were interested in his signature. However the 31 year old who has made 35 appearances for England and was included in Roy Hodgson’s squad at the start of last season said it was the potential promotion challenge which persuaded him to drop down a division

“This is a Premier League club,” Downing told BBC Look North.” If this was a team fighting relegation or mid-table, it wouldn’t be good for me to come back.”

“The manager (Aitor Karanka) said if he can keep most of the squad together and add the players he wants to get in then we’ll get in for automatic promotion”

After coming through the Middlesbrough youth academy Downing made his debut for his hometown club in April 2002 away at Ipswich. He went on to become a first team regular and was part of the side which reached the Uefa Cup final in 2006.

When Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009 he joined Aston Villa for a fee of around £10 million to maintain a career in the Premier League, he then moved on to Liverpool in 2011 before joining West Ham to play more regular football in 2013.

The deal could be the start of a big spending spree for the North East club, who are rapidly demonstrating their financial muscle in England’s second tier. Downing’s services primarily cost Boro a hefty £5.5 million which could rise to £7 million if they are promoted to the Premier League.

As a boyhood Boro supporter Gibson is as keen as anybody to return to the riches of the Premier League, and is prepared to provide his manager with the required commercial ammo.  

There have been several reports including one from “Sky Sports” that the Teessiders have bid a whopping £12 million for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes and are very close to completing deals for Uruguayan forward Christian Stuani from Espanyol and midfielder Diego Fabbrini from Watford.