Stewart Downing - West Hahahaham player

[dom9]

Downing has done OK but he's still looking cowardly when it counts, ie, against United.

A bit unfair to single him out based on last week.

[Alex]

Clearly.

All said and done I personally think we still need better in both Enrique's and Downing's positions.

Dont think thats in doubt at all. But if we are building a squad to challenge, we need players like this. They are people who can play in cup sides and minor prem games. Always good to have as an option.

[Tee]

Dont think thats in doubt at all. But if we are building a squad to challenge, we need players like this. They are people who can play in cup sides and minor prem games. Always good to have as an option.

Absolutely. Will only strengthen the squad and allow decent sensible rotation.

[Shaggy]

Think we need to forget the price tag on him. Whats done is done and thats a mistake the club will learn from.

Pointless getting rid though if we dont have replacements. Even if we get one in, it wont be enough as there isn't really anyone else who can play in his position at the club at the moment. So in that respect I dont mind him around. If I recall he isn't on mega money is he?

Meant to be on £60k a week which is sixty grand too much. Like I said reinvest the money on a replacement. Even then, Coutinho - if we get him - can play wide left, as can Sterling obviously, Borini, Enrique and Suarez. We won't miss him in the slighest. I'd sell him today if I could.

[dww]

I think we should reassess in the summer. I think with a box striker like Sturridge in the team he'll be pretty productive. In recent weeks much of our best play has involved Henderson and Downing giving shape and movement to the our play.

I tend to agree that we will end up upgrading him but any new signing might take time to adapt and I feel he has been part of recent improvements in our play.

[Imy]

I think Rodgers has man managed some of these players really well, and deserves credit for it. I thought Enrique and Downing were gonners for us earlier this season.

Makes me wonder on Joe Cole. Maybe Rodgers thought he was beyond help.

Or maybe he was under pressure from FSG to get rid?

[DannyMan2006]

Rodgers said that players like Downing needed to be in the first XI for their own good and also to justify the wages they were on. It's the same reason Carroll went out the door.

Now Downing is in the first XI, there is no chance he will go. I have to laugh when I see people say that Suso or Sterling should play instead.

Based on what? In the last couple of months Downing has been better than both. We have a chance of having a great finish to this season and playing our most inform players is the way to go.

We will have countless games between now and the end of the season to deal with if we progress in the cups and I actually think we are starting to look like we have a good squad to cope.

For me, Downing could improve with a penalty box poacher in the side. Too often he's had no one to aim crosses at. He's got until the end of the season and I hope he produces. Would be great for the club & Kennys legacy if he proved to have been a good signing.

[Mattshark]

Nothing wrong with funky house.

No, there is a lot wrong with any form of house.

[Captain Stu]

No, there is a lot wrong with any form of house.

[dom9]

No, there is a lot wrong with any form of house.

And you have the ears of a fish.

[Jas]

Downing has done OK but he's still looking cowardly when it counts, ie, against United.

I am no great fan of Downing but I do think some people will never give him credit and always find fault in whatever he does. I am not picking on Stu in particular but the comment about him hiding against the Mancs I feel is unfair in that the whole team was poor in the first half and in the second half when we played a lot better he wasn't as involved as some players but I clearly recall Gary Neville during commentary state that Downing has been making fantastic runs so the fact that he may not of actually been involved with the ball he obviously contributed in other ways such as making space and offering options for his team mates!

[James P]

And you have the ears of a fish.

And presumably lives in a bungalow.

[tanner]

I am no great fan of Downing but I do think some people will never give him credit and always find fault in whatever he does. I am not picking on Stu in particular but the comment about him hiding against the Mancs I feel is unfair in that the whole team was poor in the first half and in the second half when we played a lot better he wasn't as involved as some players but I clearly recall Gary Neville during commentary state that Downing has been making fantastic runs so the fact that he may not of actually been involved with the ball he obviously contributed in other ways such as making space and offering options for his team mates!

Put men in the box and he will cross.

We've been so guilty over the last season or two at having no support in the box when a breakaway happens. Seen it time after time, quick ball out, someone takes the ball down the wing and....feck, nobody there, or just one man in there again several defenders.

I think we'll see him contribute a lot more now he has someone to actually cross to.

[Captain Stu]

i am no great fan of downing but i do think some people will never give him credit and always find fault in whatever he does. I am not picking on stu in particular but the comment about him hiding against the mancs i feel is unfair in that the whole team was poor in the first half and in the second half when we played a lot better he wasn't as involved as some players but i clearly recall gary neville during commentary state that downing has been making fantastic runs so the fact that he may not of actually been involved with the ball he obviously contributed in other ways such as making space and offering options for his team mates!

STOP PICKING ON ME, YOU UTTER *******!!!

I just can't ignore his previous **** form because he's had half a dozen good games. He looks improved but I would use that improved form as a means to sell him - not keep him.

[red g]

I am no great fan of Downing but I do think some people will never give him credit and always find fault in whatever he does. I am not picking on Stu in particular but the comment about him hiding against the Mancs I feel is unfair in that the whole team was poor in the first half and in the second half when we played a lot better he wasn't as involved as some players but I clearly recall Gary Neville during commentary state that Downing has been making fantastic runs so the fact that he may not of actually been involved with the ball he obviously contributed in other ways such as making space and offering options for his team mates!

He did do that best when he wasn't playing