-------------------------------- Former U18s boss handed permanent U21s post ... STEVE Gallen has been appointed as Head Coach of QPR's Elite Development Squad. Gallen, in temporary charge following Marc Birchamâs departure to Millwall last month, has now been handed the role on a permanent basis. The 40 year-old, who grew up in Acton, west London, captained the Râs Youth Team and Reserves early in his career before returning as Youth Development Manager in 2009. As well as enjoying spells at Doncaster Rovers, the Far East and Non-League football, Gallen also represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-18 and Under-21 level during his playing days. Gallen vacates his position as Professional Development Coach at the Academyâs base in Cranford, where he enjoyed unprecedented success with the Under-18s including three successive league titles. âIâm really pleased to be back at Harlington,â Gallen told www.qpr.co.uk. âIâve missed being around the First Team, the players and the coaching staff. âI hope I can be a real bridge between the Academy, the Under-18s and below, and the Under-21s. âFor a lot of the players in the Academy this is the next step and I think I can help them make that transition. Iâve already been trying to do that in the last couple of weeks and I want to continue that in the coming years hopefully. âMany of the Under-21s have come through the Schoolboy and Academy department so I know them well. They know me too so they understand how important standards are to me and this football club as a whole.â Gallen â who took the reins for last weekâs 2-2 draw at Cardiff City â will oversee his first league game in permanent charge when the EDS travel to Crystal Palace on Tuesday 18th February. Meanwhile, Râs legend Paul Furlong, assisted by Nick Daws, Head of Coaching, will take charge of the Under-18s until the end of the season. Furlong â who joined the Academy as Assistant Youth Development Coach alongside Daws in September 2012 â was a fansâ favourite during his five-year spell at Loftus Road, scoring over 50 goals from more than 160 appearances for Rangers between 2002-2007. Read more at http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/100214-gallen-eds-head-coach-1351287.aspx#vP44PkRMSjzhjUKt.99 END OF ARTICLE ----------------------------------------------------- I don't know too much about the setup there but is this a good thing? I mean, he had so much success with the U18s. Is it better that he is developing them at U18s level or is it better that he starts working with the EDS and tries to bring some of the players through? Where do you think he is most useful? Right now I'm wondering if it should be a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Alas, I don't know much about the situation!
