| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox 10:49 - Mar 11 with 9684 views | JordanFoster |
Firstly, hello! I've been looking for a QPR forum for a little while and for some reason I've been sending emails back and forth between the Fans Network team about not being able to logon.. but finally I have arrived.
To mark my arrival I wrote this on Reece Grego-Cox last night when I was feeling slightly worse for wear, it's not great but it might give those who haven't seen him some insight.
I'm on twitter too at @JordanJFoster so feel free to follow me on there... Always keen to hear everyones views on QPR.
The piece on Reece is below and can be found here: The piece can be found here: https://jordanjamesfoster.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/bit-of-background-on-reece-gr
I first noticed him on a freezing cold Tuesday night in November 2013. The QPR Under-21’s, then managed by Marc Bircham, were playing AFC Wimbledon in the Under-21 Premier League Cup. As agreed with the owner of West London Sport — David Mcintyre — if I was going to cover them, I would have to cover them properly and for every game. This meant getting two trains and buses to Woking FC’s Kingfield Stadium after a long day of pointless lectures.
Tom Hitchcock stealed the show that night, as he so often did at that level. A stunning hat-trick, one of the goals being an absolute peach. Popping the ball up in the air first-time with his chest before spinning 180 degrees and bicycle kicking the ball past the beleaguered AFC Wimbledon keeper — who had already conceded three that night. Hitchcock was hauled off with about 10 minutes remaining and replaced by a diminutive figure, who judging by his body language was a little nervous and his face was rather young.
Within minutes of coming on the big, bullish centre-half had taken a bit of the substitute when going for the ball. That was to be expected though, the defender had been embarrassed by the class and guile of Tom Hitchcock all night, he certainly wasn’t going to be made a fool by his young replacement.
A few moments later the ball was punted away from the Rangers goal and was being collected by the brute of a defender. Out of nowhere, at 100mph, the pint-size forward smashed him sending him sprawling across the floor with a fair but whole-hearted shoulder barge. I remember sitting up thinking “I like that, I like that a lot!”.
The name Reece Grego-Cox has stuck with me since then and I’ve been following his career closely. Another substitute that night was a little known right-back by the name of Darnell Furlong who replaced Samba Diakite for one of his first run-outs.
The Under-21 leagues can have a lot of big egos in it, these are players that probably won’t make it, but are still paid vast amounts of money. To see a 17-year-old come in and not be phased by any of it shows you a lot about the type of man Reece is. Those that were there on Saturday would have seen Jan Vertonghen hurl abuse towards the youngster after he was nearly caught by one of his challenges. From what I know, that wouldn’t have bothered him at all. That’s his game.
For those that haven’t seen Reece Grego-Cox play, he’s a small but stocky forward and I mean really stocky. Despite being one of the youngest in league, he doesn’t look out of place at all and the physical aspect is a massive part of his game. He also happens to be lightning quick.
Last year I compared him to Wayne Rooney on Twitter in the way he played, he’s got so much energy and strength he is a nightmare for defenders. He won’t give them a moments rest and those 21 or 22-year-olds who want to just turn up and put on an impressive display for the plethora of scouts certainly don’t want to be up against Grego-Cox — he’s clincal and deadly when given the opportunity. The energy and competitiveness he plays with is very unique.
He was given far more chances to progress once Peter Skapetis left the club, remember the uproar? Well Reece, who replaced him in the Under-21’s has gone from strength to strength whilst Skapetis has done nothing of note. The club took a lot of criticism for that, but the difference between the two players is now astronomical.
I’ve watched Grego-Cox play on the wing a number of times too and he looks more than comfortable there. He isn’t just a “full effort, limited ability” player that tears around after the ball, he’s got fantastic technical ability for his age. His touch is very good and he’s got more than enough skill to give a full-back a torrid time — which he did fairly often.
It says a lot about him that he never hides on the pitch either, it can be easy for a young player to let the game pass him by but even when things aren’t going his way, he demands the ball. He always wants to make things happen and is very positive.
The only thing negative I would have would be his aggression. Or would have been his aggression. By his own admission it was something he needed to curb and over the last couple of years he certainly has done that. But you don’t want to take too much of that side out of his game, that’s what sets him apart.
Having been picked up at the age of 13 from Bedfont Sports after scoring 70 goals in one season and collecting the club’s first ever Golden Boot award, he’s impressed every coach he has played under at the club. Reece has also represented Ireland from Under-17 level and is on course to be picked for an Under-21 squad in the not too distant future. His current contract with QPR runs until 2017.
Current Under-21 boss Steve Gallen thinks there are comparisons to be made between Reece and prolific first-team forward Charlie Austin. So much so, Gallen and Grego-Cox have sat down together to study the runs Austin makes in a game so Reece can try emulate them.
“Reece is a lot like Charlie,” he said.
“They are tenacious, they cause problems for defenders and they can score goals. They won’t give you a moments rest.
“Like Charlie has done at times for the first team, Reece creates a goal out of nothing.
“Both of them play off instinct, look at Charlie’s goal at Southampton. That was instinct; he just did it without thinking.
“Reece does the same, he can win you games that you don’t deserve to win just by playing off his instinct.
He’s been looked after very well by the club and is held in extremely high-regard by the coaching staff, he’s from a brilliantly supportive family and I have often seen his parents at the games at the EDS game, which take place on the middle of a weekday.
Reece continued to be a credit to himself, family and the club when he spent the night before he was due to fly to Dubai with Jac Rush, a 17-year-old supporter who suffered a stroke recently. He gave Jac a signed ball on behalf of the club and spoke football with him at length.
He’s young and he’s raw but he’s also supremely gifted. The best thing Rangers’ fans can do is to give him time, he might need to go out on-loan next year and get some more first-team experience, he might need two years.
But say it quietly, QPR fans might have a gem in the ranks. Someone they can be properly excited about.
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 10:54 - Mar 11 with 6924 views | JonDoeman |
Good piece mate, I've liked the look of him when I've seen him as well. The first time I saw him he came on & replaced Ben Pattie who I wasn't rating, & made a massive difference to the team, plenty of attitude & tenacity. [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 10:55]
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 10:59 - Mar 11 with 6892 views | JordanFoster |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 10:54 - Mar 11 by JonDoeman |
Good piece mate, I've liked the look of him when I've seen him as well. The first time I saw him he came on & replaced Ben Pattie who I wasn't rating, & made a massive difference to the team, plenty of attitude & tenacity. [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 10:55]
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Was that this year by any chance? I like Pattie but he's struggling with his fitness and that sometimes shows.
He was alerted to QPR by Marc Bircham's brother Lee and I think some don't realise how fit these young lads are. Hopefully he will start to produce the good as he definitely impressed when on trial.
Thanks for the kinds words about the piece btw! | | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:06 - Mar 11 with 6857 views | Rangersw12 |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 10:59 - Mar 11 by JordanFoster |
Was that this year by any chance? I like Pattie but he's struggling with his fitness and that sometimes shows.
He was alerted to QPR by Marc Bircham's brother Lee and I think some don't realise how fit these young lads are. Hopefully he will start to produce the good as he definitely impressed when on trial.
Thanks for the kinds words about the piece btw! |
Excellent piece by the way and good to hear we might have a gem in the ranks
Wasn't Pattie the fella from Hemel Hempstead ?
Is there anyone else we should be looking out for ?
I see Dave Mcintyre said this week on twitter that none of them are good enough for Championship football | | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:11 - Mar 11 with 6831 views | JonDoeman |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 10:59 - Mar 11 by JordanFoster |
Was that this year by any chance? I like Pattie but he's struggling with his fitness and that sometimes shows.
He was alerted to QPR by Marc Bircham's brother Lee and I think some don't realise how fit these young lads are. Hopefully he will start to produce the good as he definitely impressed when on trial.
Thanks for the kinds words about the piece btw! |
Yeah this season, I think it was Swansea . Hope he comes good in time. | |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:22 - Mar 11 with 6775 views | Lblock |
Nice read. Thanks for that.
I hope you are right as a couple of these young lads need to make it and make it quick or TF is going to look like a clown yet again!
Wish the fella all the luck in the world. Dont think you could tell anything from his cameo last weekend apart from filing under "Ran Around A Lot" -- hopefully we'll get to see in the future |  |
| Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:23 - Mar 11 with 6777 views | simmo |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:06 - Mar 11 by Rangersw12 |
Excellent piece by the way and good to hear we might have a gem in the ranks
Wasn't Pattie the fella from Hemel Hempstead ?
Is there anyone else we should be looking out for ?
I see Dave Mcintyre said this week on twitter that none of them are good enough for Championship football |
The same Dave Mc who constantly backed Redknapps decision not to consider youth teamers, even in the Championship when we were struggling to replace injured 1st teamers.
Great piece btw, nice to hear there is some potential in the youth ranks, especially now we have a regime that will give them the opportunity to prove themselves when injuries/suspensions allow.
Also interested to see how many of these guys will be retained/used if we go down, we will find out how good they are for the championship then. Players like Furlong can make a stab at getting into the matchday squad on a regular basis, although the balance between getting regular football on loan or staying with us for the occasional run needs weighing up. Ultimately this new philosophy is brilliant for any young talents looking in, their parents will do worse than sending good prospects our way, knowing that if they do well enough they can play in our first team, even if we're in the premiership. [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 11:52]
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| ask Beavis I get nothing Butthead |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:44 - Mar 11 with 6707 views | danehoop |
Nice Piece Mr Foster, very well written.
I think the big difference for the youth team since October is that they are genuinely being coached now to go through a long term development process with the aim of getting into the first team. Unlike previously they are now getting that opportunity and having a consistent approach to their development throughout.
I do rate Grego-Cox he really has been one that has caught the eye as consistently improving, I suspect he may get a chance at first team footbal a little earlier than expected. Ryan Manning is another he could also progress quickly as well, he also looks a real talent.
The challenge for QPR now is retaining what might be some potential quality from predatory bigger clubs - especially if we go down.
The keys to that are:
- a comparatively small capital investment into Warren Farm
- continuing to improve quality/consistency of coaching
- providing a clear route to the first team from juniors
I think that have started well on the last two points since Sir Les' returned. The key point will be the first point. If you can provide good quality facilities it will not only support improving performance/technical skills, but will also make us a more attractive option for youngsters than we are now. |  |
| Never knowingly understood |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:53 - Mar 11 with 6663 views | Northernr |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:06 - Mar 11 by Rangersw12 |
Excellent piece by the way and good to hear we might have a gem in the ranks
Wasn't Pattie the fella from Hemel Hempstead ?
Is there anyone else we should be looking out for ?
I see Dave Mcintyre said this week on twitter that none of them are good enough for Championship football |
Even Furlong? :-/ |  | | |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:56 - Mar 11 with 6655 views | Antti_Heinola |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:23 - Mar 11 by simmo |
The same Dave Mc who constantly backed Redknapps decision not to consider youth teamers, even in the Championship when we were struggling to replace injured 1st teamers.
Great piece btw, nice to hear there is some potential in the youth ranks, especially now we have a regime that will give them the opportunity to prove themselves when injuries/suspensions allow.
Also interested to see how many of these guys will be retained/used if we go down, we will find out how good they are for the championship then. Players like Furlong can make a stab at getting into the matchday squad on a regular basis, although the balance between getting regular football on loan or staying with us for the occasional run needs weighing up. Ultimately this new philosophy is brilliant for any young talents looking in, their parents will do worse than sending good prospects our way, knowing that if they do well enough they can play in our first team, even if we're in the premiership. [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 11:52]
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Dave's a great journo, but his judgement of players is often bizarre. However, if he means these guys are currently not good enough for Champ level, he probably has a point. They are not Champ level regulars. But there's a difference between not being a Champ level player and being able to fill in gaps for games when needed. I don't think Dave gets that and he didn't last year. |  |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:03 - Mar 11 with 6632 views | TheBlob |
Is he that good?
(Heresy Alert)
I remember seeing Kevin Gallen at that level happily popping in multiple goals(six in one game v Charlton) and he didn't quite achieve what was expected of him.I'm not seeing even that degree of superiority comparatively.
Hope I'm wrong. |  |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:33 - Mar 11 with 6540 views | Antti_Heinola |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:03 - Mar 11 by TheBlob |
Is he that good?
(Heresy Alert)
I remember seeing Kevin Gallen at that level happily popping in multiple goals(six in one game v Charlton) and he didn't quite achieve what was expected of him.I'm not seeing even that degree of superiority comparatively.
Hope I'm wrong. |
Dunno Blob. But plenty of players don't look outstanding as youths and have good careers and vice versa. Gallen, based on his record, should have played for England 70 or 80 times. Ian Wright was just a young, raw kid playing non league. Guess it's difficult for anyone to see how players will progress. Rowlands, a big fave of yours, was bombed out for being too small and not having an impact as a youngster, but went down into non league and made his way back up. I believe Cookie did the same. | |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:34 - Mar 11 with 6537 views | ActonOccident |
Good to see you here Jordan - one question, have you revised your opinion on Yun? I look out for your assessments on youth players on Twitter as it seems you're one of the few sources who actually see some of their games, but if I recall correctly you didn't think Yun was up to much... |  | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:37 - Mar 11 with 6522 views | BasingstokeR |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 11:56 - Mar 11 by Antti_Heinola |
Dave's a great journo, but his judgement of players is often bizarre. However, if he means these guys are currently not good enough for Champ level, he probably has a point. They are not Champ level regulars. But there's a difference between not being a Champ level player and being able to fill in gaps for games when needed. I don't think Dave gets that and he didn't last year. |
Think McIntyre has valuable insight on off the field / backroom matters.
His views on "on field matters" are just that of any other football fan who doesn't go to all first team/youth games. |  | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:38 - Mar 11 with 6518 views | JordanFoster |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:03 - Mar 11 by TheBlob |
Is he that good?
(Heresy Alert)
I remember seeing Kevin Gallen at that level happily popping in multiple goals(six in one game v Charlton) and he didn't quite achieve what was expected of him.I'm not seeing even that degree of superiority comparatively.
Hope I'm wrong. |
No, I think Gallen was probably a one-off. He was exceptional, Grego-Cox isn't quite at that level - but he's still a very good player.
Dave is right in what he says, truthfully the players aren't good enough YET but both Darnell and Reece (I wouldn't consider Doughty so much of a youngster anymore) have done fantastically well to come in and make a name for themselves.
In the past the youth structure has been under-invested in, it seems like things are turning now thankfully. Before even the likes of Brentford, who have an amazing infrastructure, were blowing us out the water. But with the current setup things are certainly improving.
Steve Gallen is a big part of this, it was crucial he got the EDS job last year when Bircham left, he's bleeds QPR and instills certain morals in the players. You can always tell an U18 player playing in the EDS as they still wear black boots, stuff like that I think is brilliant.
There was a lot of call last year for Tom Hitchcock to play, but the Championship is an unforgiving league and the manager was right with his decisions to stick with the likes of Niko Kranjcar ahead of him. The gulf in class is just massive and an out of shape Kranjcar is still far more beneficial to the team than Tom Hitchcock - who has struggled since leaving the club.
Cole Kpekawa is another decent prospect, although I think he will eventually be converted to a centre half from left back. The physical aspects to his game are immaculate and if he can just work on a few things he will be quite a good player. It will help him having players like Rio at the club. Despite what you might think of his performances, he's very good with the young players. | | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:54 - Mar 11 with 6470 views | BasingstokeR |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:38 - Mar 11 by JordanFoster |
No, I think Gallen was probably a one-off. He was exceptional, Grego-Cox isn't quite at that level - but he's still a very good player.
Dave is right in what he says, truthfully the players aren't good enough YET but both Darnell and Reece (I wouldn't consider Doughty so much of a youngster anymore) have done fantastically well to come in and make a name for themselves.
In the past the youth structure has been under-invested in, it seems like things are turning now thankfully. Before even the likes of Brentford, who have an amazing infrastructure, were blowing us out the water. But with the current setup things are certainly improving.
Steve Gallen is a big part of this, it was crucial he got the EDS job last year when Bircham left, he's bleeds QPR and instills certain morals in the players. You can always tell an U18 player playing in the EDS as they still wear black boots, stuff like that I think is brilliant.
There was a lot of call last year for Tom Hitchcock to play, but the Championship is an unforgiving league and the manager was right with his decisions to stick with the likes of Niko Kranjcar ahead of him. The gulf in class is just massive and an out of shape Kranjcar is still far more beneficial to the team than Tom Hitchcock - who has struggled since leaving the club.
Cole Kpekawa is another decent prospect, although I think he will eventually be converted to a centre half from left back. The physical aspects to his game are immaculate and if he can just work on a few things he will be quite a good player. It will help him having players like Rio at the club. Despite what you might think of his performances, he's very good with the young players. |
If it was only Niko Kranjcar that Harry had made that call on; fair enough. But what about Will Keane, Modibo Maiga etc.
Tom Hitchcock 25 apps 9 goals since leaving us on loan mid sesason, not too bad I don't think. Had Afobe, Grigg and Bowditch ahead of him at MK Dons. | | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 13:19 - Mar 11 with 6398 views | Bakes |
What's happening with Col Donaldson and Frankie Sutherland? They seem to have gone off the radar? Would of thought Sutherland would have been brought up by now? Has he not recovered from the ACL injury yet?
Great read anyway! Thanks for posting. [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 13:20]
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| With Faith And Courage Comes Glory |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 13:21 - Mar 11 with 6389 views | JordanFoster |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:54 - Mar 11 by BasingstokeR |
If it was only Niko Kranjcar that Harry had made that call on; fair enough. But what about Will Keane, Modibo Maiga etc.
Tom Hitchcock 25 apps 9 goals since leaving us on loan mid sesason, not too bad I don't think. Had Afobe, Grigg and Bowditch ahead of him at MK Dons. |
Honestly, they are all far better than Tom Hitchcock. This year he's played 18 times and scored once (although that was out on loan at Fleetwood), if fans thought Will Keane wasn't ready then Hitchcock was nowhere near. He's not that young either, he's 22 now and he needed to be playing first-team football.
I'm convinced he won't drop out of football altogether and will have a career in the game but I'd be surprised if that is ever above League 1. | | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 13:28 - Mar 11 with 6363 views | derbyhoop |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:38 - Mar 11 by JordanFoster |
No, I think Gallen was probably a one-off. He was exceptional, Grego-Cox isn't quite at that level - but he's still a very good player.
Dave is right in what he says, truthfully the players aren't good enough YET but both Darnell and Reece (I wouldn't consider Doughty so much of a youngster anymore) have done fantastically well to come in and make a name for themselves.
In the past the youth structure has been under-invested in, it seems like things are turning now thankfully. Before even the likes of Brentford, who have an amazing infrastructure, were blowing us out the water. But with the current setup things are certainly improving.
Steve Gallen is a big part of this, it was crucial he got the EDS job last year when Bircham left, he's bleeds QPR and instills certain morals in the players. You can always tell an U18 player playing in the EDS as they still wear black boots, stuff like that I think is brilliant.
There was a lot of call last year for Tom Hitchcock to play, but the Championship is an unforgiving league and the manager was right with his decisions to stick with the likes of Niko Kranjcar ahead of him. The gulf in class is just massive and an out of shape Kranjcar is still far more beneficial to the team than Tom Hitchcock - who has struggled since leaving the club.
Cole Kpekawa is another decent prospect, although I think he will eventually be converted to a centre half from left back. The physical aspects to his game are immaculate and if he can just work on a few things he will be quite a good player. It will help him having players like Rio at the club. Despite what you might think of his performances, he's very good with the young players. |
I don't get this bit about Brentford blowing us out of the water. In the last 4 years, we've won trophies at U18 and U21 level, which they haven't done.
Kevin Gallen was an exceptional player at Youth level, partnering Robbie Fowler when ENgland won the European U18 champiosnhip. And he was a year younger. But for his injury, he'd have ended up with many full England caps.
I've always been impressed by his brother Steve. He seems to instil a good attitude with all the young players.
I tend to agree about Hitchcock not being up to the job but, last season, in the Championship could we not have used Harriman, Ehmer and Doughty instead of Aaron Hughes, Onweyu, Benayoun and Krancjar. At least, the current crop look like they will be given a chance. And don't get me started on Will Keane or Maiga.
It's up to them to mae the most of any opportunities that come their way |  |
| "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one's lifetime." (Mark Twain)
Find me on twitter @derbyhoop and now on Bluesky |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 13:32 - Mar 11 with 6353 views | TheBlob |
The dangers of bringing a youngster in prematurely can have severe psychological effects if it goes pear shaped initially,especially if you're expected to do something extraordinary in a couple of minutes.Okay Hitchcock did it,sort of,but it's a one shot deal at best.
Remember Kieron St.Aimie?
The old litmus test seems to be the interest from "superior" clubs a la Raheem Sterling,and I ain't heard anything to that effect as yet. | |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 13:41 - Mar 11 with 6297 views | BrianMcCarthy |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 12:03 - Mar 11 by TheBlob |
Is he that good?
(Heresy Alert)
I remember seeing Kevin Gallen at that level happily popping in multiple goals(six in one game v Charlton) and he didn't quite achieve what was expected of him.I'm not seeing even that degree of superiority comparatively.
Hope I'm wrong. |
Gallen had two things go against him. The first - that the game sped up - could have been overcome as not all forwards have a game built on pace. The second - the knee injury - changed his career immeasurably.
Gallen and Rio Ferdinand are the best young players I ever saw. One was unlucky, the other fulfilled his potential.
Nice piece, Jordan, I really enjoyed it, but like Blob I'd question if Reece deserves hyperbole. It might be better for him if we tempered it somewhat. |  |
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 13:49 - Mar 11 with 6268 views | BasingstokeR |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 13:21 - Mar 11 by JordanFoster |
Honestly, they are all far better than Tom Hitchcock. This year he's played 18 times and scored once (although that was out on loan at Fleetwood), if fans thought Will Keane wasn't ready then Hitchcock was nowhere near. He's not that young either, he's 22 now and he needed to be playing first-team football.
I'm convinced he won't drop out of football altogether and will have a career in the game but I'd be surprised if that is ever above League 1. |
I'm not saying we should've kept Hitchcock long term. Good luck to him trying to get some regular football.
What do you mean by "far better"; do you genuinely believe Hitchcock (or other young QPR player) would've been any worse than either Maiga or Keane were that season in the games they played in. Ferdinand made a similar kind of point about including youth players in his recent interview.
Anyone asked you what your favourite cheese is yet? [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 13:59]
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| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 14:19 - Mar 11 with 6181 views | JordanFoster |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 13:49 - Mar 11 by BasingstokeR |
I'm not saying we should've kept Hitchcock long term. Good luck to him trying to get some regular football.
What do you mean by "far better"; do you genuinely believe Hitchcock (or other young QPR player) would've been any worse than either Maiga or Keane were that season in the games they played in. Ferdinand made a similar kind of point about including youth players in his recent interview.
Anyone asked you what your favourite cheese is yet? [Post edited 11 Mar 2015 13:59]
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Yeah, Modibo Maiga and Will Keane are a million miles away from Hitchcock's level. The step up is massive and Hitchcock wasn't ready or anywhere close to be frank. But he's still a very good football player.
With regards to a few other points made, Coll Donaldson and Frankie Sutherland are still at the club, Frankie has been really unlucky with injuries, hopefully he can have a career in the game. He's good when he gets on the ball and has an engine so hopefully things will work out for him.
Can't really comment on Donaldson, but he was offered to QPR, he's a good young player so they took a punt on him. I think Ehmer will go on to have a fairly decent career (Champ level) at centre half. He's been played at right-back and holding midfield but he's size and presence is definitely more suitable for the heart of defence - he's very vocal and is a leader.
TheBlob is bang on, it's a huge risk putting a youngster in. You could tell with Darnell against Arsenal how nervous he was, the wild miskick and then the foul throw early on, but he grew into the game. It helped that Rangers were not expected to really get anything from that game.
But it's different in the Championship and in the football league where blokes are fighting for their careers and to pay the mortgage. I really think HR was right to bring in the players he did (other than Chevanton) ahead of the youngsters. There was a lot of clamour for Mo Shariff to be involved after his cup cameo, Petrasso was absolutely killing players in the EDS but as Steve Gallen says it's pretty much irrelevant. What you need to be doing is playing first team football and his level was that of League 1 or 2, he went out on loan and did very well. But if you throw a youngster in, especially in a game where need to get a result, the whole occasion can eat them.
I hope it doesn't come across as hyperbole for Reece, that's certainly not what I want. But he is 3 or 4 years younger than Hitchcock was and he got remarkable level of support! | | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 14:22 - Mar 11 with 6176 views | daveB |
Excellent article, good to read a real insight into our young players |  | | |
| Hello and a bit on Reece Grego-Cox on 15:09 - Mar 11 with 6063 views | Northernr |
Mobido Maiga isn't even a footballer. A half inflated sex doll would have been more use to us upfront than that useless , clueless, soppy lump of sht.
Other than that, thoroughly enjoying the thread, and the article in the OP. | | | |
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