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Wednesday, June 27, 2007

One Year Flashback: QPR Players Report Back...Waddock Looks Forward...Justin Skinner Appointed Reserve Coach

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On this day, last year....

June 27, 2006 -QPR Official Site - BACK TO WORK
Gary Waddock welcomes his squad back to pre-season training on Thursday and the message is clear: The hard work begins now!
The R's first team squad return for pre-season training tomorrow morning, buoyed by the addition of two new signings - in the shape of Armel Tchakounte and Damion Stewart - and the imminent arrival of Nick Ward from Perth Glory.
But Waddock insists it's time for the talking to stop and for the real work to begin.
"Pre-season is the worst possible time for professional footballers, but at the same time it's the most important,'' Waddock told qpr.co.uk.
"They've been under strict instructions over the summer months and we're expecting them to return in good condition on Thursday morning.
"Pre-season will be very tough this year, but the benefits will be clear for all to see. The players will head to Burnley on the first day of the campaign as fit as they possibly can be and that will give us the best opportunity to make a decent start.''
The first team squad return to Harlington tomorrow (Thursday)
Waddock revealed internationals Paul Jones and Damion Stewart will have an extra few days to recharge the batteries after their involvement for their respective countries over the summer, with the pair set to return to Harlington next Wednesday.
"Damion and Paul played a few games for Jamaica and Wales respectively over the summer, so it's only right they get a few more days off than the rest of the squad,'' Waddock told qpr.co.uk.
"We've already added two good players to the squad and with Ward due in next week and one or two others hopefully following in due course, we're all really looking forward to the new campaign.''QPR

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - IN RESERVE
QPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Justin Skinner as their new Reserve team manager.
Skinner, who played alongside Gary Waddock during his playing days at Bristol Rovers, joins the Club after a successful spell as coach in the academy set-up at Chelsea.
The 37 year-old - whose career also included spells at Fulham, Walsall, Hibernian and Dunfermline Athletic - is delighted to cross paths with his long time friend and fellow playing colleague once again.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for me and one which I'll relish,'' Skinner told qpr.co.uk.
"Gary and I have been friends for a very long time now and when he asked me on board I never had any doubts that it was a good move for me.
"I'm really happy to be here and I'm looking forward to the season ahead.''
Skinner has previous experience with the QPR academy set-up, as well as a spell coaching at Windsor & Eton FC.
"I really enjoyed my previous spell here but this is a different challenge altogether,'' added Skinner.
"It's a massive test, but one which I'm really optimistic about.
"I've been in the situation as a Reserve team player before, so I know what it's all about. I'm the link between Gary and Macca and the first team squad, and Joe Gallen and the youth set-up.''
Waddock himself was delighted with the appointment, commenting: "Justin will prove to be an excellent addition to the already strong backroom staff we have here at QPR.
"He's not only a good friend of mine, but is also a football man through and through.
"He's a bright, young, talented coach and will bring an array of new ideas and initiatives to the training ground.''QPR