So, it’s goodbye to Stewart Downing. There are multiple reports that he has signed for his hometown club of Middlesbrough and the deal will be formally announced imminehtly. he’s said to be on £35,000 a week, which will double if they win promotion to the Premier League. The fee is thought to be around £5 million, rather less than was being touted a few weeks ago.
Stewart has proved to be a good signing for us and it was a pleasure to watch him for most of last season.
He scored 7 goals in 69 games and last season he got 6 in 36, a rather better goals to games ratio. I think the signing of Dimitri Payet probably made up his mind for him.
I for one wish him well, and I’ll be looking out for him next season.