Conor Washington will score a sackful of goals for QPR next season - says the boss who spotted him as a chubby 16-year-old.
Jez Hall, along with co manager Warren Everdell at little St Ives Town gave the Northern Ireland striker his first taste of senior football in the eighth tier United Counties League in 2009.
Almost from the off, the teenager showed signs he was something special, and three years later banged in an incredible 52 goals in 52 matches.
In fact, ex-boss Hall remembers it became almost ‘comical’ as the dugout predicted a Washington goal almost from the second he got the ball.
“When he scored his first goal for Northern Ireland against Slovenia in March, it was just like he used to do at St Ives,” he said. “He squared off the defender, was through, and we knew he was going to score. (see below)
“It seemed he was doing that every other minute at St Ives.”
Washington’s sale to Newport and sell-on paid for the St Ives academy set-up, which the down-to-earth player opened himself.
“He’s a brilliant lad, and always responds to Facebook messages and tweets from up here. In the clubhouse, after a game we always want to see how he did,” added Hall.
From Newport to Peterborough to Rangers has been the journey of the ex-postman, who was on £40-a-week at St Ives before he made the £2.5 million switch to Loftus Road in February.
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Since when, he’s scored more goals for his country, two, than for Hoops, none in 15 appearances.
Rs fans shouldn’t worry, according to Hall.
“It took him a while at St Ives to get going, but once he did he was pretty much unstoppable.
“If you look at his Newport and Peterborough records, he was quiet there for the first few months.
“But once he feels comfortable, settled in, he does what he’s good at, and I'm sure that will be the same at QPR.”
Here is an example of the audacious goals Washington was scoring for St Ives.
