Post by QPR Report on Jan 14, 2010 15:47:22 GMT
QPR Official Site
YOUTH REVIEW - THE SEASON SO FAR...
Posted on: Thu 14 Jan 2010
The first half of the season has certainly been an impressive one for Steve Gallen's Under-18's.
They currently occupy second spot in the South East Conference table, with two games in hand on leaders Southend United.
On top of that, they've reached the next stage of the Youth Alliance Cup and have been handed a plum tie against West Ham United in Round Four of the FA Youth Cup following a fantastic triumph over Academy-outfit Southampton in Round Three.
Needless to say, Gallen is happy with the progress his young charges are making, and believes the spotlight placed on starlet Raheem Sterling has benefited his other players.
"I'm happy with how we're doing," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We had a very long pre-season and actually played nine games in total. We got through all of them unbeaten and have pushed on from there.
"There have been a couple of outstanding performances this season. We played Southend in the Youth Alliance Cup and had to win in order to progress from the group stage.
"At half-time we were 3-1 down - and went on to win 5-3! It was a fantastic display, but probably sums us up a little bit. We've been inconsistent.
"Another performance which made me really proud was against Southampton in the FA Youth Cup at Loftus Road. We were underdogs for that game - the Saints have had a fantastic youth set-up for the last five or six years.
"To win that match 3-1 was definitely a highlight for the boys."
Antonio German netted a brace in the match, and Gallen says he has been pleased with the continued development of his young striker.
"I have known Antonio for quite a few years, and it's no surprise for me when I see him bang in the goals.
"At this level he's very good. The most important thing for him is to carry that on into the Reserves - where he is already playing and doing fine - and then start pushing for a First Team spot.
"He's been on the periphery of the First Team for a little while, but he's still only young and is definitely a prospect for the future."
One youngster who has caught the eye this season is Raheem Sterling. The 15-year-old has represented England at Under 16 level, and has already been training with the R's First Team squad. It has led to intense media interest, and Gallen believes that's benefited Sterling's team-mates.
"In some ways it is good for the other young lads because they've gone under the radar and have been able to get on with things," Gallen explained.
"With the interest that Raheem's been getting there comes a bit of extra pressure, and I actually think he's been feeling that.
"There's two or three others who are steadily getting on with their jobs and I have been really pleased with how they've been doing.
"When you get into the national squad all the eyes are on you. When Raheem came on as a sub to make his debut for the England Under 16's and set up both goals against Northern Ireland, I wasn't one bit surprised. I know he's capable of that.
"I know he's excellent - and now all the other Clubs know it as well!"
Looking ahead, Gallen's aims are two-fold - win football matches, and make sure his youngsters develop at a rate he is happy with.
"My title is Youth Development Manager, and that really is how I see my job," he said.
"I am here to try and get boys into the First Team. And I'll tell you something, discipline is a crucial part of their development too. That aspect of their learning is so important to me, it really is.
"We've seen it before - and not necessarily at QPR - where young lads get a bit of 'instant' success, and they can't handle it. They get more money and a bit of fame, and within two or three years they're playing non-league football.
"I desperately don't want that to happen to our boys here at QPR. I am already speaking to them about it. I don't want to see them getting above their station. It just won't happen.
"I've had young players turn up to join, and they think they're this or that. They don't stay too long, that's for sure. We don't want people like that. We want focused winners here."http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/YouthReports/0,,10373~1919635,00.html
YOUTH REVIEW - THE SEASON SO FAR...
Posted on: Thu 14 Jan 2010
The first half of the season has certainly been an impressive one for Steve Gallen's Under-18's.
They currently occupy second spot in the South East Conference table, with two games in hand on leaders Southend United.
On top of that, they've reached the next stage of the Youth Alliance Cup and have been handed a plum tie against West Ham United in Round Four of the FA Youth Cup following a fantastic triumph over Academy-outfit Southampton in Round Three.
Needless to say, Gallen is happy with the progress his young charges are making, and believes the spotlight placed on starlet Raheem Sterling has benefited his other players.
"I'm happy with how we're doing," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We had a very long pre-season and actually played nine games in total. We got through all of them unbeaten and have pushed on from there.
"There have been a couple of outstanding performances this season. We played Southend in the Youth Alliance Cup and had to win in order to progress from the group stage.
"At half-time we were 3-1 down - and went on to win 5-3! It was a fantastic display, but probably sums us up a little bit. We've been inconsistent.
"Another performance which made me really proud was against Southampton in the FA Youth Cup at Loftus Road. We were underdogs for that game - the Saints have had a fantastic youth set-up for the last five or six years.
"To win that match 3-1 was definitely a highlight for the boys."
Antonio German netted a brace in the match, and Gallen says he has been pleased with the continued development of his young striker.
"I have known Antonio for quite a few years, and it's no surprise for me when I see him bang in the goals.
"At this level he's very good. The most important thing for him is to carry that on into the Reserves - where he is already playing and doing fine - and then start pushing for a First Team spot.
"He's been on the periphery of the First Team for a little while, but he's still only young and is definitely a prospect for the future."
One youngster who has caught the eye this season is Raheem Sterling. The 15-year-old has represented England at Under 16 level, and has already been training with the R's First Team squad. It has led to intense media interest, and Gallen believes that's benefited Sterling's team-mates.
"In some ways it is good for the other young lads because they've gone under the radar and have been able to get on with things," Gallen explained.
"With the interest that Raheem's been getting there comes a bit of extra pressure, and I actually think he's been feeling that.
"There's two or three others who are steadily getting on with their jobs and I have been really pleased with how they've been doing.
"When you get into the national squad all the eyes are on you. When Raheem came on as a sub to make his debut for the England Under 16's and set up both goals against Northern Ireland, I wasn't one bit surprised. I know he's capable of that.
"I know he's excellent - and now all the other Clubs know it as well!"
Looking ahead, Gallen's aims are two-fold - win football matches, and make sure his youngsters develop at a rate he is happy with.
"My title is Youth Development Manager, and that really is how I see my job," he said.
"I am here to try and get boys into the First Team. And I'll tell you something, discipline is a crucial part of their development too. That aspect of their learning is so important to me, it really is.
"We've seen it before - and not necessarily at QPR - where young lads get a bit of 'instant' success, and they can't handle it. They get more money and a bit of fame, and within two or three years they're playing non-league football.
"I desperately don't want that to happen to our boys here at QPR. I am already speaking to them about it. I don't want to see them getting above their station. It just won't happen.
"I've had young players turn up to join, and they think they're this or that. They don't stay too long, that's for sure. We don't want people like that. We want focused winners here."http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/YouthReports/0,,10373~1919635,00.html