The Big Interview: Keith Downing

Not bad for a lad from Oldbury,

And Keith Downing has now taken on one of his most prestigious roles yet, as the boss of England's under-20s side.

'A huge honour' for the 50-year-old. He takes charge of his first game when the Czech Republic visit Shrewsbury's Greenhous Meadow on Monday evening.

Downing left Albion in January after six-and-a-half years, the victim of new boss Tony Pulis having a backroom reshuffle.

After a few months twiddling his thumbs, Downing had no hesitation in accepting the under-20s role when his country came calling in July.

And, while admitting it's a change of pace from the day-to-day routine of club football, Downing is relishing playing his part in developing England's brightest young prospects.

Speaking from the plush England headquarters at St George's Park in Burton, he said: "It's a challenge and I'm very pleased to be involved.

"It's a huge honour. I've been coaching for 20 years now, I've seen a lot of the development stages. it's great you do your qualifications and work hard and get a role like this.

"The role is slightly different, its not a day-to-day working with the team role but there are other factors of scouting, club visits, etc, getting to know the young players all around the county.

"It's a new slant for me. A development role that underpins the under-21s, looking up rather than down."

Downing inherited the role from former Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd, who moved down to under-19 level.

He will work closely with under-21 boss Gareth Southgate, building profiles on players from up and down the country, constantly assessing their development.

Downing will take in club under-21 games, go out to watch young Premier League players on loan at Football League clubs and liaise closely with the coaches who work with them on a daily basis.

He said: "They're still young adults, so you have to monitor them on the tactical side and the mental side.

"One moment you're doing so well, the next you might have to deal with a disappointment, and it's about how players handle that. You build up profiles of the players.

"At this age group, the guys are venturing out and playing their first senior football and it's interesting to see how they cope with that. it's the toughness of it.

"One big thing about this age group is the opportunity they have. They become men at this age. The 21s and 19s are competitive years, but the 20s are a development group.

"Sometimes its a position or an age group that might have a late developer.

"Che Adams, who 18 months ago was at Ilkeston, is now at Sheffield United and playing for the England under-20s. It's a great story and a great example.

"There is a broad range of players, some experienced in loans, going out from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, then there's also players that play at under-21 levels for their clubs.

"It's good to see where they're at."

Downing, who got the first opportunity to work with his young charges this week with five days of training before the Czech Republic game, is on a three-month contract with England.

His managerial career, with a stint at Cheltenham Town and then a few games as caretaker boss at Albion, has been relatively short-lived.

Does he harbour ambitions of a return to management? "I'm very open-minded," he said.

"It's important the FA see what I do and I see how it all works. It's a good opportunity for both parties and that's as far as I'm looking.

"There's a good mix of players here and I've been impressed so far. You have five days before matches (of training). That's difficult, you're trying to put your impression on it.

"But I've been impressed with the quality and attitude. They'll take a little time to gel but they're a good core of players."

If ever there was someone to gel players together, it's Downing.

After all, this is a man who during his career has managed to accrue respect from supporters on both sides of the Black Country divide.

No mean feat, when you consider only a handful, including Cyrille Regis and Joleon Lescott, have accomplished the feat in the past couple of decades.

Downing played his part in crucial periods during both club's recent history. At Wolves, he was the linchpin in Graham Turner's midfield as they rose up through the divisions before flat-lining in the old First Division.

With two promotions and a Wembley win in the Sherpa Van Trophy final, it's no surprise to hear that Downing remembers his time at Molineux with fondness.

He said: "I just remember the warmth of the place. It was a special bunch of people and to be part of that momentum was fantastic.

"There were guys that hadn't made it at other clubs, rejects, who had a point to prove. That gelled everyone together.

"I have fond memories. That day at Wembley, the two promotions. It's a great club and Sir Jack's legacy has left a fantastic foundation. It's a sleeping giant."

With their academy producing a conveyor belt of talent, Wolves will be a club for Downing to keep a close eye on in capacity as under-20 boss.

Dominic Iorfa and Kortney Hause have just graduated from that level to the under-21 setup, while Niall Ennis starred for England under-17s last week.

Downing added: "I'm outside looking in, but the philosophy of trying to bring in young players is healthy.

"Each club had a different philosophy and it's not for me to say which way they go.

"They younger ones have an affinity with the supporters, they appreciate it and work for the club, love the club, that's the philosophy.

"They've had a restructure and Kenny Jackett's an excellent manager who's done a fantastic job."

At Albion, Downing was a big part of stabilising the Baggies in the Premier League.

Despite the way he left he clearly bears no animosity towards the club, and is proud of his contribution at the Hawthorns.

He said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I've got no animosity, I wish them well.

"I hope to think I made a certain contribution for West Brom to stay in the Premier League for five years running.

"When I started they were known as an up-and-down club, but they've come a long way. Certainly I've seen huge improvements there in terms of quality of players and infrastructure.

"I had a fantastic time working for Wolves and Albion. I'm grateful to have worked for them both."

As his job dictates, Downing, despite all his past achievements, is very much looking forward. He will see first-hand the quality of players who will in a few years be at Roy Hodgson's disposal.

And he realises the importance of nurturing such talent in a football world where pressure is as high as ever before.

He said: "The academy's are doing a great job and it's improved the standard of young English players.

"It's a competitive world and everyone wants immediate results – that's the pressure of the modern day game.

"There are distractions for the players if they're earning a lot of money but they're good boys.

"The clubs are trying hard to educate them. It's tough for them – people will question that if they're earning a lot of money, but they're got to try and mature while in the spotlight.

"It's up to clubs, and us as mentors, to guide them in the right direction."

Tickets for Downing's first game in charge at Shrewsbury Town on Monday night can be purchased here.