Is age a major factor THIS season..

[Yousef]

Not about age we definitely need a mix of young and experienced players. Crouch has past his best but Parker is good enough and can do the job.

[Bluehoop]

Players ages are not a major factor at Championship level IMO. For a start you don't get tied to a 25 man squad so if a player breaks down early in the season (Like Johnson last year) you can always replace him like for like. Given the exertions of this league - playing twice a week, pretty much every week - the major factor is fitness and endurance. Some 30 year old (plus) players have engines that run on and on and some younger players have under-developed bones, so an oldie might wear well on a heavy season and a teenager may struggle - who really knows what's around the corner.
I think the second major requirement is a blend of youth and experience to enable the team to cope with (what is statistically suggested to be) the toughest league in European football.
And of course, crucial requirement number 3 - your need a huge dose of good fortune.

[qpr4life]

Players ages are not a major factor at Championship level IMO. For a start you don't get tied to a 25 man squad so if a player breaks down early in the season (Like Johnson last year) you can always replace him like for like. Given the exertions of this league - playing twice a week, pretty much every week - the major factor is fitness and endurance. Some 30 year old (plus) players have engines that run on and on and some younger players have under-developed bones, so an oldie might wear well on a heavy season and a teenager may struggle - who really knows what's around the corner.
I think the second major requirement is a blend of youth and experience to enable the team to cope with (what is statistically suggested to be) the toughest league in European football.
And of course, crucial requirement number 3 - your need a huge dose of good fortune.

Such a valid point

AJ, Zamora, Derry etc the older crew will be much needed and wont be wasting a space in our final squad

[Olly]

There are a lot of old people who sign up as fans and nobody moans about that.

[vblockranger]

Need a mix. I trust Harry.

[Mellowhoop]

He certainly looks like he will sort it vblock

[QPRDave]

Need a mix. I trust Harry.

This plain and simply this.

[zeberdee]

there are two types of players -
1. good players
2. players who win 4 games from 38

[Shepherds Mush]

Age isnt a factor any season - look at Giggs at United !

The most important factor is having players available that are up for the job technically and can fit the team dynamics/philosophy. ie - when one player is out, another (of any age) can step in and do the same job.

[MattyRangers]

Although, yes, we would all like to see some exciting young talent at QPR (no innuendo!) - I do think some people have taken this philosophy to far and seem to just look at a players age and, if above 30, instantly disregard them as not what we need.

Personally, think we need a few more experienced, level headed & honest pros in our ranks (ala Derry but just a bit better!) to steady the ship & stop the in camp divides. Provided the player is on the right sort of money / contract (ie not a 5 year £60k a week deal for a 32 year old!) and they're an honest pro not just there going through the motions looking for a wage packet each week, then I see no problem whatsoever with some older players.

Without opening up the debate about him again, but somebody like Parker, for example, would be perfect for us IMO. Good pro that will guarentee you 100%.