Our Rovers fans' jury give their thoughts on the permanent signing of defender Paul Downing. 

It’s good news that Paul has signed a new contract and is happy and content at the club.

I think it fair to say he has surprised many with his consistent performances which are probably due to a positive relationship with Tony Mowbray.

And now for the negatives. He is a key part of a defence that will deny Rovers promotion unless they learn how to deal with set pieces.

I can only imagine what the Shrewsbury manager is saying to his 6ft+ players as they gleefully prepare for Saturday!

Paul Yates

The permanent signing of Paul Downing looked to be on the cards for a while, and it makes perfect sense. He has been the surprise of the season so far, coming in as a back-up centre-half and ending the year as a key part of Tony Mowbray's first choice team. 

Downing is a no nonsense defender who has formed a good partnership with ball-playing defender Charlie Mulgrew. The two complement each other well and have helped Rovers earn a succession of clean sheets. I

I questioned the signing in the summer, but Downing's performances have surpassed all expectations and you have to give Mowbray credit for bringing him in.

It will be interesting to see what happens when Darragh Lenihan is fit again, but on current form, Downing is almost undroppable.

Sam Jones

Paul Downing has been a steadying influence to the team and has brought much needed consistency. He is not the exciting signing that many fans are clamouring for and I hope there's exciting signings to come for squad depth and fan morale, but he's just what we need.

To have an undefeated record as a defender says something, especially following the uncertainty of the start to our season.

As a Blackburn Rovers player now we'll hopefully see increased passion and commitment for the promotion cause and I am certainly pleased to welcome him officially to the club. At 26 he's a good age for a defender, experienced yet room for improvement. 

Kelvin Wilkins