Monday 29 June 2015 15:51, UK
Queens Park Rangers boss Chris Ramsey has appointed Steve Gallen as first-team coach following Kevin Bond's departure from the role.
Bond's contract has expired and Gallen, who is the brother of former R’s forward Kevin and has been on the academy coaching staff since 1997, will work alongside head of coaching Simon Ireland, who will combine his academy role with a senior role with the first-team squad.
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
Ramsey and Gallen will be looking to lead the club back into the Premier League after relegation and QPR’s director of football Les Ferdinand said: “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.”
Gallen’s role with QPR's elite development squad will be taken over by Paul Hall, who had previously worked as an assistant to Paul Furlong with the U18s.
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 confirmed Kevin Hitchcock has left his role as goalkeeping coach after turning down a new contract offer.
Academy manager Perry Suckling, a former goalkeeper and 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.
