Hodges keen to restart QPR production line
Glyn Hodges says he is determined to help revive QPR’s youth system following his appointment as head of coaching.
Hodges, who will work with Marc Bircham and Steve Gallen, has been brought in as part of an overhaul of the club’s youth and development structure.
Rangers say their long-term aim is for home-grown players to make a major impact at senior level and the ex-Wimbledon midfielder’s arrival is seen as a significant step.
“I’ll be working with Birch with the development squad and Steve at Under-18 level and even getting involved with the 16s and 15s,” Hodges told West London Sport.
“We’re going to see if we can get some boys through the system and into the first team.
“I remember when QPR had a production line of fantastic players and it held them in good stead.
“Perhaps it’s been neglected, but the owners and the board are keen to get that going again.
“We’ve got some good people in place so we can develop the boys.”
Hodges is a former Wales team-mate of QPR manager Mark Hughes and worked with him at Fulham, Manchester City and Blackburn.
Those clubs have had some success in developing young talent and the 49-year-old believes Rangers can follow suit.
“Blackburn was the one where we probably had a bigger input as we were there for the longest time,” Hodges explained.
“Fulham have been developing that side for years and had things in place – and that’s probably a great example to a club like QPR.
“They’ve been doing it a little bit better and a little bit longer, but we’re catching up and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
See also:
Hughes adds Hodges to QPR coaching team (20 June)
New coaching chief starts work at QPR (5 July)
Hodges’ appointment confirmed by QPR (21 July)
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