Here are some things you need to know about MK Dons’ newest defender Paul Downing, who will officially move to Stadium MK on a two-year deal on 1st July.
Debut delight
Despite playing for three different clubs, Downing has never lost on a competitive debut for a new side.
In his first outing for loan side Hereford United, he helped the Bulls to a 2-0 win over Lincoln City, and that was the same result he enjoyed when he made his first appearance for Barnet.
While he wasn’t victorious on his debut for Walsall, he did help the Saddlers earn a 2-2 draw – following that up with a 3-1 success against Preston North End.
Football in the blood
Downing is the nephew of former footballer and manager Keith Downing, who is currently assistant to West Brom boss Tony Pulis.
The 50-year-old played for the likes of Notts County, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Stoke City and Cardiff City during his time as a player before moving into management with Cheltenham Town.
Golden touch
Downing has found the net six times during his career and on all-but one occasion, he has come out on the winning side.
He scored his first goal in a 3-1 win over Preston North End in January 2013 and then found the net against the same opponent two years later with the same exact outcome – a 3-1 triumph.
Downing also scored three times last season – in Walsall’s 3-1 victories over Shrewsbury Town and Fleetwood Town, as well their 5-0 success at Port Vale on the final day.
Despite playing for three different clubs, Downing has never lost on a competitive debut for a new side.
In his first outing for loan side Hereford United, he helped the Bulls to a 2-0 win over Lincoln City, and that was the same result he enjoyed when he made his first appearance for Barnet.
While he wasn’t victorious on his debut for Walsall, he did help the Saddlers earn a 2-2 draw – following that up with a 3-1 success against Preston North End.
Football in the blood
Downing is the nephew of former footballer and manager Keith Downing, who is currently assistant to West Brom boss Tony Pulis.
The 50-year-old played for the likes of Notts County, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Stoke City and Cardiff City during his time as a player before moving into management with Cheltenham Town.
Golden touch
Downing has found the net six times during his career and on all-but one occasion, he has come out on the winning side.
He scored his first goal in a 3-1 win over Preston North End in January 2013 and then found the net against the same opponent two years later with the same exact outcome – a 3-1 triumph.
Downing also scored three times last season – in Walsall’s 3-1 victories over Shrewsbury Town and Fleetwood Town, as well their 5-0 success at Port Vale on the final day.
