Independent Rs Messageboard

[Steve Russell]

Good luck to them. From the Club..

'Seven Development Squad players are to leave QPR this summer.

Noah McCann, Alfie Tuck, Jake Coomes, Jake Leahy, Jack McDowell, Rohan Vaughan
and Joel Halliday will all move onto pastures new.

Centre-back McCann - a Scotland youth international - has been with the club since
the age of eight, while midfielder Tuck - who has won similar acclaim with Wales -
joined QPR aged just nine.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Coomes arrived as an Under-11 ahead of left-back Leahy,
who joined at the age of 12.

Also departing are centre-half McDowell and striker Vaughan, who joined following time
with Aston Villa and Burnley respectively ahead of the 2024/25 season - alongside former
Basingstoke goalkeeper Halliday, who arrived in January 2025.

QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: “As with each season, this period is incredibly difficult as
we say goodbye to those who have made a significant contribution to the academy over a #
number of years.

"This group in particular have forged an extremely-strong bond which has seen them achieve
both individually and collectively over the past couple of seasons, with notable victories in
the Premier League Cup and London Senior Cup.

All of the players have gained significant senior experiences out on loan, which will undoubtedly
support them in the next stage of their journey.

“Noah McCann has demonstrated exceptional human qualities throughout his time with the
academy, which has spanned over a decade. He departs having had a productive season out
on loan - amassing a considerable amount of experience across spells at Bracknell and
Tonbridge Angels, as well as receiving opportunities on the youth international stage with
Scotland.

“Alfie Tuck has been an excellent support to the first team during his time as a Development
Squad player - trusted regularly to partake in first-team training - which says a lot about his
high-level technical ability.

We are immensely proud of his achievements throughout the Welsh youth international setup,
having represented his country at major tournaments.

“Jake Coomes departs the academy having had an excellent season representing the Development
Squad across numerous competitions - making a significant impact on important games with many
goals and assists. His natural speed and repeatability will undoubtedly be exciting traits for his
next club.

“Jake Leahy possesses outstanding leadership qualities, acting as a role model for all players that
he has shared a dressing room with during his time with the club. He has applied himself magnificently
to all aspects of his programme, including his continued commitment to the PFA business degree and
coaching qualifications.

We look forward to continuing to support his journey as he blends his time between playing and
coaching.

“Jack McDowell can certainly reflect on his two-year period with the club with pride, having been a
major part of the team that lifted the Premier League Cup last season.

His composure in possession has meant a seamless transition to playing midfield while on loan this
year, and has ultimately led to an exciting opportunity to continue playing in the United States.

“Rohan Vaughan's character will definitely be missed at TSG Training Centre, and he departs having
secured league title silverware with Dundalk in Ireland. Rohan possesses immense commitment to
his self-development, and this approach will unquestionably support his next move.

“Finally, Joel Halliday's route into the academy system was unconventional and that should be
celebrated. He has thrown himself into every experience on numerous loans, as well as supporting
first-team training. He should be proud of his contribution over the last two years.”

Everyone at QPR would like to wish all seven players the very best for the future.'

[ESSEXURs]

You have to wonder if any of these players would have had a natural progression
in to the first team if we had a reserve league.

I wish them all well in their future careers.

[Kerrins]

Jack McDowell and Joel Halliday Terrible decisions allowing those two to leave Class Act both.

We are likely to regret that

[Steve Russell]

We've had U21's, U23's and even a 'B' side.

But the best way to 'develop' players in my opinion
had been in the Football Combination League days when
our young players would have the benefit of playing alongside
& against seasoned pro's from top division sides.

That said, its good to see some of the U16's squad regularly
feature.

A number of players do go out on loan but I have to wonder
at times about the level that they play at?

I also find it odd that we now have to travel to places like
Fleetwood etc