Bradley Simmonds of QPR (ex-Chelsea) Interview | England Football Blog Bradley Simmons of QPR, and formerly of Chelsea, recently sat down with England Football Blog to talk about his career thus far. Bradley, hello! So, first things first. Weâll address the looming topic in the roomâ¦Chelsea to QPRâ¦give us a few lines about who you are, where youâre from, and all that lark. Iâm Bradley Simmonds; Iâm a very hardworking and likeable person, always up for a laugh with friends and my teammates at QPR. I was brought up in Ealing West London and still live there today. Iâm the youngest of four with a big sister and two older brothers and at the moment enjoying life. So, exactly how long were you at Chelsea for? I signed my first contract when I was only 7 years old joining the u8âs and left just before my sixteenth birthday. So a good nine years! What were those formative years like in terms of player development and coaching? Chelsea was quality; I learnt so much throughout my years and improved massively as I grew older. I luckily had the opportunity to go on many tours playing against the likes of Inter Milan and other top European clubs which was always challenging but never the less enjoyable. What injuries were you struck down with and how did you mentally overcome leaving Chelsea at such a young age? Iâve only just recently recovered from a full grade three cruciate tear in my knee which stopped me playing for a whole year making me miss the first year of my scholarship, which was a very tough year for me both physically and mentally. Obviously it was hard leaving a club that I had played for, for a long time, but I was so excited and up for the challenge to continue my career and improve elsewhere. I set my self-small targets to recover from and every time I met the target I increased it a little. Out of all the clubs you could go toâ¦why QPR? I went to clubs including Reading, Leicester and was approached by many other clubs including Aston Villa but I always knew I was going to sign for QPR. I really enjoyed the training and the vibe at the training ground. The lads made me feel really welcome and the coaches straight away showed their interest. Also because QPR is very local, a lot of my friends are QPR fans and I always had some support for them even though Iâm a Spurs fan. Favourite position, if any, then? I was a centre back in my Chelsea days and was always called the young JT, but my favourite position has always been centre midfield. The centre of everything. Best players youâve played with then? Iâve played with a lot of good players, especially when I have featured for QPR reserves alongside Hogan Ephraim, Jason Puncheon, Akos Buzaky and Robert Hulse and more. But I still believe Josh McEachran is the best player Iâve played with. Youâve bagged 7 in 7 so far this season for QPRâs U18s â feeling fit, fresh, raring to go? Yeah much fitter and sharper, Iâm just really enjoying my football at the moment and love scoring goals from midfield. I understand youâve already been out on loan and went to the club your eldest brother plays at, is that correct? Yeah, that was a great feeling being able to pop it with my older brother who is also up there with the best players Iâve played with. Going on loan was great for my experience and was key for my fitness. What are your goals for the remainder of the season? To win the league and the Youth Alliance Cup with the lads and to get as far in the FA Youth Cup as possible. Iâve already signed a one year pro but to extend that would be great. What about for a career in football in general? Definitely to play in the premiership for QPR and to play for either England or Ireland internationally. Shifting to international level â youâre half Irish and half Englishâ¦at a push, who would you rather opt for? Thatâs a very tricky one; I donât think I could choose, to play for either of them would be a dream come true. OK some quick fire questions⦠Best coach youâve ever worked with⦠Eddie Newton and my current manager Steve Gallen Best player youâve ever played with⦠Josh McEachran Best player youâve seen play⦠Messi Favourite brand of boots to wear⦠Puma Nandos or Pizza? Nandos all day âhalf chicken, chips and riceâ ledge! Win the World Cup with England, or the League with Spurs (we know youâre a fan)? World Cup by far Best banter at the club? It has to be me Worst dressed? Freddy Champion âawful clobberâ Adam Johnson or Ashley Young? Ashley Young, unbelievable tekkers. Finally, if you were to name a player you are most likeâ¦who would that player be? A lot of the lads at QPR say I play very similar to Scott Parker. â¦oh, and your tip to win Euro 2012â¦? Spain are in a different league to everyone, they will boss it. Thank you so much for your time Bradley! We wish you the best of luck and look forward to following your progress and development. http://www.englandfootballblog.com/2011/11/24/bradley-simmonds-of-qpr/
a level headed young man who has had a lucky escape, 7 from 7 ain't bad lets hope he becomes our Scott Parker
