Dons do deal for defender Downing

Paul Downing signs for MK Dons from Walsall

MK Dons have signed defender Paul Downing from Walsall on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old signed a two-year deal at stadium:mk on Monday in time for the first pre-season training session with his new team-mates.

The centre back joined Walsall in 2012, having grown up in the West Brom youth system. At the Banks’s Stadium, he played more than 150 times and became a first team regular.

Last season, he played 56 times for Walsall as they came up short in the race for promotion to the Championship, losing in the play-off semi final to eventual winners Barnsley.

“I’ve always liked Paul,” said Dons boss Karl Robinson. “He was always a catalyst, and a strong one, in the Walsall team. Walsall have always been difficult for us to play against.

“Between him, Kyle McFadzean and Joe Walsh, it’s a really strong back three competing.

“And they’re all a good age. I want a young, fresh, vibrant group.”