Ashley Young key to Aston Villa's capture of Stewart Downing
Jul 18 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
STEWART Downing has revealed he sought assurances from Martin O’Neill that Ashley Young would be staying at Villa before agreeing his £12 million move.
O’Neill issued a stern “hands off’’ warning to Young’s potential suitors after Downing’s arrival prompted fresh speculation that the former Watford winger would be sold.
Downing cites Young as a factor in him joining Villa for a joint club record transfer fee and the ex-Middlesbrough captain insists O’Neill’s team is big enough for the both of them.
“The first thing I asked the manager was ‘Are these players staying because I would like to play with them’ and his response was ‘No players will be leaving this football club, unless they’re maybe not playing’,” said Downing.
“But he said the likes of Ashley Young will not be leaving because he is trying to build a squad, not dismantle one.
“That was great news for me and that’s what made me sign really.
“There’s no rivalry – I might play left, right, it might be the other way around.
“He might play up front, I might play up front. You need options, you have 60-odd games to play over the season. He didn’t use many players last season.
“You need competition at a top club and this will bring the best out of everyone. I’ve known Ashley for a few years, I’ve seen him come here from Watford and he’s done really well.”
Downing, who arrived at Bodymoor Heath on crutches, admits it was strange to pass a medical with a fractured foot.
“I’ve never had a medical before but the main thing was that the foot was set and it was healing properly.’’
