Background
Downing was born in Taunton, Somerset and came through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion.
Downing was born in Taunton, Somerset and came through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion.
He signed a professional contract lasting until June 2012, with an option of a further year in the club"s favour. He made the bench for a 0–0 draw against Blackburn in the Premier League on 24 May 2009. He went on a one-month loan deal to Hereford United on 25 January 2010, along with West Brom team mate Lateef Elford-Alliyu.
He was sent off on his final appearance, a 5–0 loss to eventual league winners N ottinghamshire County on 27 February.
He made six appearances during his loan spell. On 25 November 2010 he signed on loan for Rotherham United until 4 January.
On 31 January 2011 he signed on loan for Shrewsbury Town, after making no appearances at Rotherham. He made no appearances before returning to West Brom.
On 3 November 2011 he signed on loan for League Two team Barnet, initially on a one-month deal.
On 17 November Barnet extended the loan deal to allow him to remain there until 2 January. On 19 January 2012 the loan deal was extended again to allow him to remain at Barnet until 28 February. On 29 February the loan deal was extended again, this time until the end of the season.
He was sent off for the second time in his career during a 1–1 draw with Rotherham on 3 March.
When Downing returned to West Bromwich Albion at the end of the 2011-2012 season the club announced that they were not offering him a new contract. On 24 May 2012, Downing was released after three years at the club, but never made an appearance.
On 1 August 2012, he signed for League One team Walsall. He made his debut on 1 September in a 2–2 draw against Brentford.