After former player and Hoops fan Lee Cook criticised the South Korean for his drop in work rate since arriving at Loftus Road, is it due to commitment or simply an effect of his advancing years?
Lee Cook has had an interesting career to say the least. A Southampton YTS who was released at 16 he earned his spurs with Aylesbury United before Watford came calling in a controversial transfer that even saw a lawsuit filed by the Buckinghamshire club. The Glory Hornet boys had a talent on their hands. A tricky winger with a delightful delivery he eventually caught the eye of Queens Park Rangers who were at the time fighting relegation from the Championship.
An avid supporter himself he decided he would move on and while at the club he began to impress the Premier League pack. A £2.5 million move to Fulham followed and since then his career has been a litany of injuries and loan spells before settling into a short-term contract with Leyton Orient this summer.
Now he has made the claims that certain players at Loftus Road are not carrying their weight; instead only being there for the money…his words not mine.
The player who came in for particular criticism was Park Ji-Sung. The South Korean was known at Manchester United for his big-game mentality, incredible work-rate and fitness levels but since joining Mark Hughes club that has not been evident for the majority of his stay.
Instead he has appeared lethargic and dis-interested at Loftus Road, a consequence of which has been QPR’s faltering start to the season.
I myself picked Park out to be their star-man this season. His record with PSV and United spoke for itself yet maybe the demise toward the end of his Old Trafford stay was not merely a consequence of his expected Manchester exit.
Perhaps his better days are simply behind him. It was a tired adage that he lacked quality but his work ethic made up for it. His relentless running and team-work being paramount to his success.
Now, aged 31, perhaps his advancing years no longer allow his previous style of play.
Maybe QPR have been sold deadwood by Sir Alex, who seems to have a canny knowledge of when a player’s time is up.
But what do the QPR fans think, will Park come good?
image: © Magnus D
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