The Rs Get Young-er!

True to his word, Neil Warnock is working busily on bringing in new recruits to the Club and is clearly making great strides (unlike my dear husband’s team – Arsenal – hee! hee!), as our latest acquisition shows

After the will-he/wont-he/he-did saga of Thursday night, when Joey Barton took extra time to ponder on his transfer to QPR (which was finally, thankfully, confirmed yesterday); Warnock has today sewn up the purchase of Aston Villa’s versatile defender, Luke Young.

At 32, Young will bring with him a wealth of Premier League experience, having been a regular in Villa’s team during his 3 years at Villa Park; as well as having played seven times at International level. Before that, Young was at Middlesbrough, having joined Boro in 2007 after his previous club, Charlton Athletic, were relegated (where he had been since 2001).

Young started playing professional football for Tottenham Hotspur, featuring about 60 times for the London club. He is a London lad – well, Essex – having been born in Harlow on 19 July 1979; and is clearly delighted to be returning to his roots.

Although technically a full back, Young is versatile enough to play anywhere across the back four – something I think we all agree we need!


Speaking to QPR.co.uk after putting pen to paper, Young said: ‘I am ready for a new challenge.

‘There are big things that are going to happen at this Football Club and I am really pleased to be a part of it.

He added that his signing, together with that of Joey Barton, is indicative of the Club’s intent and that he cannot wait to play for the Rs. He, like Barton, will be looking forward to the Newcastle home match on Monday 12th September, no doubt!

Warnock himself was very happy and excited at Young’s acquisition, pointing out that his versatility would undoubtedly prove very important over this season:

I’ve been looking for a defender with vast Premier League experience for a while now and Luke certainly fits the bill.’

He added: ‘He can play anywhere across the back four and that versatility will stand us in really good stead.

‘Moving back home to London will also serve him well and I’m really looking forward to seeing him in action for us – he’s got so much to give and his experience will be vital.’

Luke Young will be in the Number 18 shirt.

I think this is a great signing – and definitely the right type of signing as well. Not just a ‘name’ to please people – but a serious, experienced player – as well as being a bit of a ‘name’!!

Let’s hope for more good news before Wednesday evening, right?!

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