Paul Downing's end-of-season message after 'frustrating' first Portsmouth season
and live on Freeview channel 276
The centre-back endured a difficult maiden campaign at Fratton Park.
Despite signing a three-year deal following his arrival from Blackburn on a free transfer last summer, Downing spent most of the year down the pecking order.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe started the season as first-choice centre-back but didn’t make a single League One appearance after the 2-2 draw with Burton on September 17.
In fact, he was handed just five more outings for Kenny Jackett's side as they suffered play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford United earlier this month.
Downing was an unused substitute in both games against the U’s, with Christian Burgess and Sean Raggett making up Pompey’s central-defence pairing – as they did for the majority of the season.
However, both have now departed the south coast. Burgess has joined Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, while Raggett has returned to Norwich following his season-long loan.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPosting on Instagram, Downing admitted it was a frustrating campaign for him.
But he’s intent on showing fans what he's capable of next term.
The ex-Doncaster man wrote: ‘Disappointing result for us all on Monday...it’s been a frustrating year on a personal note but determined more than ever to come back stronger next season!’
In total, Downing has featured 14 times for Pompey.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.