Back to the Middlesbrough Newsfeed

Stewart Downing: Former Middlesbrough winger enjoying academy coach role

Former Middlesbrough and England winger Stewart Downing is enjoying passing on his career experience while working with the under-15s and under-16s age group players at his hometown club.

He was offered chance to work with ex-Hibs defender Rob Jones in the academy.

"I did my Uefa A licence, so I thought I might as well put it to some use," Downing told BBC Radio Tees.

"I bumped into Craig Liddle at the game, and he suggested I come in and give it a try and if I liked it, great he'd get me involved.

"I've loved it, the 15s and 16s are a good group, the lads have been told they're going into full-time football next year so it's serious football for them now.