Tom Hitchcock: Former Blackburn Rovers striker has agreed a deal until 2013 with Queens Park Rangers. Hitchcock left QPR's Premier League rivals Blackburn Rovers earlier this year by mutual consent and has recently been training with Mark Hughes' side. He was attracting interest from League One trio Brentford, MK Dons and Yeovil Town, but has opted for a deal at Loftus Road to further his development. "I'm delighted to have signed for QPR and am looking forward to exciting times ahead," Hitchcock told Sky Sports. During his time at Ewood Park, the 19-year-old did not make a first-team appearance, but he featured 10 times on loan at League Two outfit Plymouth Argyle earlier this season. He is an England youth international and the son of QPR's goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock, who has been a long-standing part of Hughes' backroom team throughout the Welshman's managerial career.
Although at first it might not appear that there's too much pedigree based on previous clubs and others who are interested now, I see this as very positive. Hughes has obviously seen something (benefiting from Kevin being here so we have had a chance to look properly). Also, signing him when we're uncertain about which league we'll be in next year suggests that he's considered potentially good enough for either (probably after some first team training and loan spells).
Whatever happened to the guy who stepped up from non-league to sign for us 18 months back? Can't even remember his name now (Troy?). The point being that without an academy or even a decent set up for reserves young players are never going to develop at QPR. If TF is as forward thinking as he says then this situation should be #1 priority. (#2 should be a new ground and #3 should be new training facilities to pamper our overpaid players - guess which way round we're doing it?). While I'm in cynic mode this deal has all the makings of an old pays act by MH.
To be fair to Troy, he was a Warnock signing and one that you could see developing for the future. Not really had a chance at Loftus Rd and does not seem to be cutting it out on loan. Excellent goal scoring record in the lower leagues and guess we were all hoping for another Sir Les ;o) Hitchcock Jnr has obviously been signed due Hitchcock Snr pestering Mr Hughes! Not got a game at the top level and only played in League 2. Sounds familiar to a lot of the youth that have already been n gone at Loftus Rd...hopefully Im wrong and he goes on to break into the first team and score a hatrick on his debut!!
Who knows...I guess it is positive being that he is a young lad and could develop into a top player. Might benefit from a loan stint in the championship first, or a few games with us there next season should we go down.
We could have a competition to spot him. Fleeting glimpses as a steward one week, ball boy the next, third substitute from the left, Mr Barton's hairstylist.....
did well for the youth team, let's hope he'll develop to be a great striker HITCHCOCK HITS HAT-TRICK http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/YouthReports/0,,10373~2725661,00.html
