 In between his 'retirement', Downer worked as a bricklayer.On 26 May 2009, Downer signed a one-year contract to remain at Rushden & Diamonds for the duration of the 2009–10 season.During the close-season after, he decided not to renew his contract offered and signed with Sutton United, with whom he won the Isthmian League Premier Division at the end of the 2010–11 season.