Andy – after watching Jay for two seasons at Bristol City, what type of player are Rangers signing?





He became a bit of a talismanic player for Bristol City. The best way to describe him is a ‘match-winner’. Always expect the unexpected. If you give him a bit of freedom, space to operate in, he can be absolutely devastating – he certainly was at League One level.

He’s played there before, but how do you think he’ll fare in the Championship next season?





I think he’s a guy with a point to prove. He’s been there before and started out well, but ended up not getting in the team and falling out of favour. There’s no doubt he’s got the talent. With the ball at his feet, he’s definitely got the ability to do well at this level. I think you’ll get a guy with the bit between his teeth, really determined to prove himself.

All in all, how did he do at Ashton Gate? It seems the player was a fans’ favourite there.





The first season, it was a rebuilt team with a lot of youngsters. Sean O’Driscoll was in charge. It was a right struggle. But, to be honest, Jay and Sam Baldock’s goals just about kept City afloat. He scored 21 goals that season, many of them spectacular jobs from outside the box. Fans like that, don’t they? He’s not afraid to try things on the ball.

Are you surprised Bristol City let him go?





Not really, and that’s no reflection on Jay – it’s more the way Steve Cotterill wants his teams to play. However, between the two of them, I think both Jay and Steve came to a really-good compromise last season, to find a way Jay could fit into the team and do well.

Emmanuel-Thomas is a product of the Arsenal academy, and left there with much promise. At 24, he has had a very-steady career thus far, though this is a real crucial time in his career, isn’t it?





He’s got to kick on now. This is a big move for Jay. If he can prove himself and play regular first-team football at QPR, establishing himself in the Championship over a whole season at the same time, he’ll start to fulfil some of that potential. It’s a big season for him.

Do you think Jay can fulfil his potential to the maximum with QPR?





Of course he can – it’s down to Jay. How hard does he want to graft? Does he want to do the nasty things managers want you to do, what fans don’t see off the ball? If he can combine that with his natural ability, he can certainly make it at Championship level, without a shadow of a doubt.





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