From the Offie. Talking him up.
www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/goddard-we-feel-qpr-is-perfect-for-dozzell-210621/Goddard: We feel QPR is perfect for DozzellPaul Morrissey @pjmorrissey77
FORMER QPR striker Paul Goddard had a part to play in the recent arrival of Andre Dozzell, and he is looking forward to seeing the new R’s man in action in W12.
Goddard came through the youth system here and spent three years in the first team before joining West Ham in 1980 at the age of 20.
Now a football consultant, Goddard helps to mentor young players and he believes Dozzell switching Ipswich Town for Rangers is the perfect move for the 22-year-old midfielder.
We think Andre is going to fit in great here and hopefully kick on.
Andre made close to 100 appearances at Ipswich after making his professional debut at 16
“It’s very hard to put into words what it’s like being back here,” Goddard said as he stood pitchside with Dozzell last week.
“I have got such fond memories right back to when I started my career here, and then coming back and playing here.
“It’s a fantastic ground, a fantastic club and I am really pleased that Andre has come here to show what he can do.”
Goddard believes Dozzell’s abilities on the ball suit Mark Warburton’s style of play perfectly, explaining: “Andre is a very talented footballer and he needs to be playing in a side that play his style of football.
“It was really important that we got that right and we feel this is perfect for him. We think Andre is going to fit in great here and hopefully kick on.
“He is a ball player, he loves the ball, he wants the ball, he wants to look after it but he is also a very positive passer of the ball – he passes the ball forward a lot.
“Andre needs strikers that make runs for him, make angles for him, and he will find them with his passes.”
Dozzell was with the Tractor Boys from the age of eight, but Goddard believes a change in environment is exactly what the former England youth international needs for the next stage of his development.
“Andre will be inspired by it,” he explained. “He has played all around Europe with the England set-up but this is a different step. I think it will inspire him and improve him greatly.”
Goddard has also advised Dozzell on what he can expect from the R’s fans, on the assumption they will be able to return to games for the coming season.
“He’ll get passion and noise, and there’s no hiding place out there, that’s for sure,” Goddard said with a smile.
“You’ll hear voices, when you make mistakes people will let you know about it! You’ve got to deal with that.
“The QPR fans are incredibly passionate and I know die-hard season ticket holders who just can’t wait to come back – and I can’t wait either.”