Former midfielder who Aston Villa made huge profit on handed coaching role at Leeds United

Former Aston Villa midfielder Stewart Downing has joined the coaching set-up at Leeds United.

The 39-year-old, who made 82 appearances for Villa over two seasons between 2009-11, has been appointed as assistant head coach to the Elland Road side’s under-21s outfit.

Downing will act as no2 to Scott Gardner, who has been promoted after acting as interim boss following Michael Skubala’s appointment as Lincoln manager.

The appointment is the former England international’s first full-time coaching role following his retirement from playing in 2021. Downing helped out at former club Middlesbrough while he was studying for his coaching badges, but makes the move to Championship Leeds as he looks to forge a career in that side of the game.

A 2009 £12m signing from Boro by Martin O’Neill, Downing helped Villa record sixth and ninth-place finishes in the Premier League during his two seasons with the club. He scored 11 goals for Villa, before joining Liverpool in a £20m move in 2011.

West Ham and Blackburn, whom Downing last played for, are among his other former clubs.