Steve Gallen added to first team backroom staff

Chris Ramsey promotes Gallen to First Team Coach

Paul Hall promoted to Under-21s manager

Goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock leaves club after turning down new contract

HEAD Coach Chris Ramsey has added Steve Gallen to his First Team backroom staff, as the countdown to the new season continues.





Gallen, who is the brother of R’s legend Kevin and has been on the Academy coaching staff since 1997, has been named First Team Coach, and will work alongside Head of Coaching & Coach Education, Simon Ireland, who will combine his Academy role with a senior role with the First Team squad.





QPR’s Director of Football, Les Ferdinand, told www.qpr.co.uk: “It's a natural progression for Steve to join the First Team coaching staff.





“He's been at QPR for a number of years and understands the fabric of the club and what we are trying to do here.





“The fact he's worked with a number of our younger players, who we are keen to see progress over the coming years, is a bonus.





“He's a very able coach and I'm sure he will flourish working for Chris, alongside Simon, at this level.”









UNDER-21S: Paul Hall will take charge of the Elite Development Squad





Gallen’s role with the Elite Development Squad will be taken over by Paul Hall.





Hall has previously been an assistant to Paul Furlong with the Under-18 age group, but will now take on the EDS role.





Ferdinand added: “Paul is showing all the signs of someone who can develop into a really good coach and I'm convinced he will thrive on the extra responsibility of working with our young professionals.”





Meanwhile, the club can confirm Kevin Hitchcock has left his role as Goalkeeping Coach, after turning down a new contract offer.





Academy Manager Perry Suckling, a former keeper and goalkeeping coach, will step in on a day-to-day basis in the short term, prior to a full-time appointment being made in due course.





“We'll be looking to appoint someone as soon as possible,” Ferdinand told www.qpr.co.uk, “and we’re already talking to potential candidates.





“In the interim period, we've got a very good goalkeeping coach in Perry, who already knows the keepers we’ve got here.





“On behalf of the club, I’d like to thank Kevin and wish him all the best for the future.”





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