From the Club...
'EMMERSON SUTTON says he and his team-mates are all excited to be playing in the FA Youth Cup later
#this week.
QPR Under-18s host Swindon Town in the third round of the competition on Thursday night at MATRADE Loftus Road,
and Sutton said: “It’s a competition that everyone my age loves to play in.
“We all want to get as far as we can in the competition.”
Sutton, 17, has been with QPR since he was 11, and featured in last season’s competition when the R’s beat
Wolverhampton Wanderers in dramatic fashion.
Following a 2-2 draw at Molineux, QPR won 9-8 on penalties to face Burnley in the fourth round in West London,
eventually losing 2-0 to the Clarets despite a spirited effort.
“Last year we did quite well,” the midfielder said.
“We did ourselves proud winning against Wolves. For a lot of us it was the first time playing at a stadium so it
was exciting, especially for an occasion like that.
”The atmosphere was really good and it was a great experience, especially in the way that we did it as well because
we really had to dig in.
“In the next round against Burnley we could have done better.”
Over the past 12 months, Sutton has gained valuable experience, including a current loan at Hanwell Town.
“I definitely feel I have come a long way," Sutton said.
“I have got more confident, which is only natural – as a first year you are not as confident as you are when you come
into your second year.
“I am more confident in my ability and I am really looking forward to this game because it’s another day where everyone
can show what they are about.”
Sutton has featured regularly for the Geordies since joining them on an initial month’s work experience loan in October,
which has been extended to the end of the year.
“I am enjoying it," he said. “Men’s football is a bit different. It’s more physical and I will definitely take a lot from my
time there.
“They have welcomed me well, and you can tell from the people around you how much winning means to them. It sets out
their week, their mood, everything.”
On Thursday night, Swindon arrive in west London in good form, having won their last three fixtures in all competitions,
hitting 13 goals during the process.
“We are against Swindon who are a good side and we respect them a lot but we want to do as best as we can,” Sutton said.
“I know a couple of their players and they are definitely going to be a very strong side. We have to be up for it because they
will be as well.”
With a number of Under-18 players featuring with the Development Squad this season, being on loan or training with the
first team, the FA Youth Cup represents an opportunity for the group to come together once more, and Sutton explained:
“We have all been given different opportunities – some with the Dev Squad, some with the first team, some on loan, so we
are all relishing coming back together for this.”
The FA Youth Cup is always well supported by QPR fans and Sutton said he and his team-mates are excited at the prospect
of playing in front of the R’s faithful in W12.
“It will be good, it will be very, very good,” he said with a smile.
“The QPR supporters are always backing us, always supporting us, no matter what we go through, so it will be good to play
In front of them again.”
QPR v Swindon Town kicks off at 7pm on Thursday night and entry is just £3 for QPR season ticket holders.'
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