Paul Downing's end-of-season message after 'frustrating' first Portsmouth season

Paul Downing has outlined his determination to come back stronger next season at Pompey.
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The centre-back endured a difficult maiden campaign at Fratton Park.

Despite signing a three-year deal following his arrival from Blackburn on a free transfer last summer, Downing spent most of the year down the pecking order.

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He started the season as first-choice centre-back but didn’t make a single League One appearance after the 2-2 draw with Burton on September 17.

In fact, he was handed just five more outings for Kenny Jackett's side as they suffered play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford United earlier this month.

Downing was an unused substitute in both games against the U’s, with Christian Burgess and Sean Raggett making up Pompey’s central-defence pairing – as they did for the majority of the season.

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Posting on Instagram, Downing admitted it was a frustrating campaign for him.

Paul Downing. Picture: Nigel KeenePaul Downing. Picture: Nigel Keene
Paul Downing. Picture: Nigel Keene

But he’s intent on showing fans what he's capable of next term.

The ex-Doncaster man wrote: ‘Disappointing result for us all on Monday...it’s been a frustrating year on a personal note but determined more than ever to come back stronger next season!’

In total, Downing has featured 14 times for Pompey.

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