This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Regular Punter’ series, where we gather original opinions from select, passionate fans of the clubs concerned on matters surrounding their team and share them with a wider audience…
Football League World’s QPR fan pundit Josh Willocks has suggested offering 21-year-old midfielder Ilias Chair a new contract is “definitely the right move for everyone involved”.
According to talkSPORT, Chair has agreed terms on a new three-year contract with the west London club and the deal is set to be finalised next week.
The Moroccan spent last season out on loan at League Two side Stevenage but after returning to the club has forced himself into Mark Warburton’s starting XI.
According to Willocks, tying the midfielder down to a new long-term deal is a smart bit of business by the Rs.
He said: “Chair is undoubtedly one of the most exciting talents at QPR so tying him down to a new long-term contract is definitely the right move for everyone involved.
“Following his breakthrough loan spell at Stevenage, he's looked far better equipped at this level both technically and mentally and after a string of impressive substitute performances has established himself as a starter in Warburton's midfield.
“With his future at the club secured, he looks set to play a pivotal role for the rest of the season and beyond and will now aim to replicate his previous goalscoring exploits in the Championship.
He added: “He's a technically gifted, attack-minded player, whose creativity and flair makes him a threat whenever he has the ball.
“His work rate is admirable for such a young player and last season he developed a habit of scoring exceptional goals from long range, even finding the net from his own half against Swindon Town.
“His ability to light up a game and produce something special makes him an important asset to QPR but his focus must now be on converting those positive performances into more goals and assists for the team.”
Looking long-term, Willocks revealed he believes that Chair could become a really important player for the club.
He explained: “I'm confident that with more game time under his belt, his importance to his team will grow and could soon establish himself as a key player for us.
“Staying at the club is definitely the best decision for his development and he has all the tools to be a fantastic player if he continues to work hard.
“In recent seasons, QPR have focused their attention on youth development so it's the perfect environment for Chair to improve his game in a squad that has a balance of youth and experience.”