Downing retains his spot-kick duty
By Ross • Sep 23rd, 2008 • Category: Boro NewsIt has been revealed today that Downing has had talks with Southgate regarding his future as the clubs penalty kick taker.
Downing went into the managers office this week after his second miss of the season to speak with Southgate about the situation, claiming he’s still confident enough to be the first in line for the kick.
“Stewart’s already said he wants to take our next penalty,” said Southgate.
“I don’t have a problem with that because we have faith in him.
“He’s a braver man then that. That’s he’s ready to take another penalty shows you the type of character he is.”
Downing has missed his last two spot kicks, one against Stoke and again an absolute howler at the weekend away to Sunderland.
Downing’s technique is obviously not robust enough for the duty of a penalty taker. He’s too one dimensional. He can be read like a book and im sure if you ask the keeper, it’s definitely going to be a sh*t read! The fact that he always tries to hit the bottom right corner makes him a bad choice… even worse when he tried to change his spot kicks, he hits the centre of the bar or skies it well over. Ridiculous.
Don’t bet on a lot of our penalties going in this season, for sure.
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Ross is A Redcar born Boro fan. Enjoys discussing and writing about all aspects of the club. Favourite players are Hignett, Juninho and Alves.
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I wonder how much of it was Southgate publically supporting his player whilst privately thinking someone else will be on penalties?
It will be interesting to see if he gets the next penalty or not, missing 3 in a row would see a lot of fans turn on him i think. At least he won’t have to worry about getting one in normal time tonight, you never get a penalty decision at Old Trafford but if the game goes to extra time, then a penalty shootout….?
I think if it goes to penalties then he will be first up to get it over and done with. Us missing the first penalty could possibly put pressure on united to hit the net, but id much rather he scored it.
Personally if it was my decision, i’d have Alves there. Id of told Stewy where he can go.