‘Our Policy should be a Youth Policy’ – QPR Manager Jack Taylor

The following article was No. 7 in the series, ‘Soccer Sketch Presents Your Team’, and appeared on the 16th October 1954:

‘Like Frank, my brother, who’s now managing Stoke City, I’m a Buckley Boy. Like Frank, I’m proud of it.

Both of us were lucky enough to work as players under one of the greatest managers in football, Major Frank Buckley, of Wolves and now of Walsall.

I’ve forgotten few of the priceless things Major Buckley used to tell us about the wonderful game called soccer. Something I never forgot was the Major’s dictum: “Soccer is a young man’s game.”

When I took over with QPR, just over two years ago, I suggested to our directors that our policy should be a youth policy. They told me. “Ok. Go ahead.”

Since then we have worked together most harmoniously and, without bragging, I am quite pleased with the results. I know how proud most managers feel about their team. I think that’s one of the finest things in the game – a manager’s link with his players.

Talking for myself, I couldn’t have a finer lot of young lads. They’ve made my job lots easier for me. They’ve allowed me to sleep at night!

When you have a team of young players, it’s quite a “hobby” watching their reactions to advice or even a gentle talking-to.

I never forget my own experience with Major Buckley. It was a Monday morning at Molineux. Previous Saturday I hadn’t been in startling form. Said the Major: “Don’t worry Jack. We know you can do it all right.”

I felt wonderful hearing those words. I always think of them when I’m having a man-to-man chat with one of the players.

Sensible economy means that we just aren’t interested in big-name, big-money players. We have a talent scout in Scotland, one in Yorkshire, one in the Midlands and one who works around our own doorstep, so to speak.

Their instructions are: “Find us young players. We aren’t interested in disgruntled players who want transfers. We want ‘em young and eager.”

I’m not one for prophecies. But, I’ll say this. This young team of ours, outside of accidents, looks capable of taking us back to the Second Division. It would be wonderful if it happened this season. Maybe it’ll take just another season. But I know they have it in them.

I’d like to say thanks to the floodlights for their help in bringing on our young players. Since we installed the lights at Loftus Road we’ve had, among others, Arsenal, Charlton, Chelsea, Spurs, a Turkish team and West Ham.

Many of our young players are fancied by other clubs. But we want them for Queen’s Park Rangers. We want them for our future. We try to give them a good soccer job. We try to make them happy. We try to make them feel a part of a NEW QPR.

A Second Division QPR? What’s wrong with a First Division QPR?’

Rangers went on to finish the season in 15th place with 44 points.

Steve Russell