“Worth their weight in gold” – QPR boss Warburton on importance of senior players

BY NICK KITUNO

Mark Warburton has underlined the importance of Queens Park Rangers’ senior players – believing they are “worth their weight in gold”.

The R’s had nine substitutes on the bench during their 2-1 defeat to rivals Brentford, four of whom were under the age of 23. Only three were used though, including 32-year-old Albert Adomah who joined on a free transfer this summer following his departure from Nottingham Forest.

Adomah, who came off the bench for the fourth consecutive game against the Bees, has been credited by Warburton with helping the team’s younger players develop.

He said: “You’ve got a London boy who has played at places like [Aston] Villa and Middlesbrough, he’s played around at all of the levels, and has X hundred appearances under his belt. Same as Geoff Cameron, same as Lee Wallace.

“These senior players are very, very important. Really important. People probably underestimate the role of the senior mentors, but on and off the pitch [they are] vital for the young guys. We brought nine subs, now we’ve got three very young players come along with us to watch how these pros prepare for a game, how they deal with aspects of the game.

“It’s absolutely invaluable.

“If you can get the right senior pros for your squad – not loads – but if you’re getting the right three or four senior pros, they are worth their weight in gold.”