Post by QPR Report on Sept 25, 2009 8:05:39 GMT
This is gloucestershire
Allen to face 'role model' Waddock
Friday, September 25, 2009, 08:00
MARTIN Allen will go head to head with the man whose misfortune handed him his big break in football as Cheltenham Town travel to Aldershot tomorrow.
Garry Waddock, who has been in charge of the Shots since May 2007, was one of the stars of Queens Park Rangers' team when Allen was a young player.
Waddock's popularity and form meant Allen was considering quitting the West London club due to a lack of opportunities, but a serious knee injury to the Republic of Ireland international paved the way for Allen's career to flourish.
Allen said: "My big break in football came when Gary Waddock ruptured his knee ligaments at Sheffield Wednesday when I was 19.
"I got his place and if it hadn't been for that, I am not sure if I would have stayed at QPR for very long because he was the top man."
While out of action, Waddock became a role model to Allen and the Robins boss says he will always remember the influence he had on his fledgling career.
"When Gary was out injured for that year, I managed to get into the team and he helped me fantastically with my game," Allen said.
"He was encouraging and I always looked up to him. Since then I have had massive respect for him and he is a bloke I would always try to help so it's been great to see him doing such a good job at Aldershot."
Allen offered Waddock a job within the youth department at MK Dons during the 2006-07 campaign, but Waddock joined Aldershot and guided the club back to the Football League after a 16-year absence.
"I watched Aldershot's reserves on Tuesday to see how they play and the Recreation Ground is one of my old favourites," Allen said.
"Their supporters are very passionate and what I would call 'proper' football supporters.
"There aren't too many 'prawn sandwiches' watching them. It's a hard place to play with the slope so it's a big day for me."
Allen's ninth placed side are unbeaten in four away matches this season and are the only club in Coca-Cola League Two to have scored in every match so far.
Three-goal striker Justin Richards (knee) has been passed fit to play and Barry Hayles (ankle) could also come back into contention, but Frankie Artus has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/sport/news/Allen-face-role-model-Waddock/article-1367157-detail/article.html
Allen to face 'role model' Waddock
Friday, September 25, 2009, 08:00
MARTIN Allen will go head to head with the man whose misfortune handed him his big break in football as Cheltenham Town travel to Aldershot tomorrow.
Garry Waddock, who has been in charge of the Shots since May 2007, was one of the stars of Queens Park Rangers' team when Allen was a young player.
Waddock's popularity and form meant Allen was considering quitting the West London club due to a lack of opportunities, but a serious knee injury to the Republic of Ireland international paved the way for Allen's career to flourish.
Allen said: "My big break in football came when Gary Waddock ruptured his knee ligaments at Sheffield Wednesday when I was 19.
"I got his place and if it hadn't been for that, I am not sure if I would have stayed at QPR for very long because he was the top man."
While out of action, Waddock became a role model to Allen and the Robins boss says he will always remember the influence he had on his fledgling career.
"When Gary was out injured for that year, I managed to get into the team and he helped me fantastically with my game," Allen said.
"He was encouraging and I always looked up to him. Since then I have had massive respect for him and he is a bloke I would always try to help so it's been great to see him doing such a good job at Aldershot."
Allen offered Waddock a job within the youth department at MK Dons during the 2006-07 campaign, but Waddock joined Aldershot and guided the club back to the Football League after a 16-year absence.
"I watched Aldershot's reserves on Tuesday to see how they play and the Recreation Ground is one of my old favourites," Allen said.
"Their supporters are very passionate and what I would call 'proper' football supporters.
"There aren't too many 'prawn sandwiches' watching them. It's a hard place to play with the slope so it's a big day for me."
Allen's ninth placed side are unbeaten in four away matches this season and are the only club in Coca-Cola League Two to have scored in every match so far.
Three-goal striker Justin Richards (knee) has been passed fit to play and Barry Hayles (ankle) could also come back into contention, but Frankie Artus has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/sport/news/Allen-face-role-model-Waddock/article-1367157-detail/article.html