Middlesbrough favorite Stewart Downing takes on role as Leeds Unitedacademy coach.

The Middlesbrough favorite has started training after completing his retirement from playing at the end of the 2020-21 season, ending his career at Blackburn Rovers

But this week he was appointed assistant manager of Leeds United and under-21s, working under U21 boss Scott Gardner. The arrival of Downingand#039; was confirmed on Saturday when Gardner was confirmed as Whitesand#039; new boss U21 boss.Gardner was appointed interim manager in November following the departure of boss Michael Skubala to Lincoln City, where he relinquished his role with the U18s. On Instagram, Downing wrote: “It’s been a busy and enjoyable few days already but I’m looking forward to working with Leeds U21s for the rest of the season.”

A Leeds United statement said: “A former Academy graduate himself, Gardner has a number of years coaching experience with the Whites, having also played for the first team, as well as being capped at England youth level in his early career.

“In his previous role leading the Under-18s, Gardner oversaw the development of a number of players, who have now progressed into the Under-21s set-up, meaning he has plenty of familiar faces to continue working with.”

On top of his coaching, Stewart Downing has also done plenty of media work since hanging up his boots. He was working for BBC for the Aston Villa cup game a fortnight ago and then did the Chelsea game for BBC Radio Five Live. He’s set to be at Stamford Bridge for the second leg too.