After starting his career at West Bromwich Albion, Downes played 470 games in the Football League for Peterborough United, Rochdale, Watford, Barnsley and Blackpool.
He later worked as a coach at Blackpool, Aston Villa, Port Vale, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Watford, and Blackburn Rovers, before being appointed Head of Recruitment at Nottingham Forest in February 2013.
He turned professional in 1966 but joined Peterborough United the following year, failing to make a league appearance.
He faced increased competition in 1978–79, but made 46 appearances as Watford secured a second consecutive promotion and reached the semi-finals of the League Cup.
[4] Downes left Watford in May 1997 to take up a similar position at Premier League side Blackburn Rovers.
[15] He left the club in March 2014 and went on to scout for Preston North End, Derby County, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.