Crouch joins QPR

Our director of football David Pleat said: "Peter is out of our Under-19s next season so is not available for the academy team.

"He needs time to develop and I'm sure by the time he reaches his mid-20s he will have the necessary strength to go with his natural physical attributes. He is a very tall boy and has a fair amount of ability but I just felt for his own sake that at this moment in time he would probably get more opportunities, particularly at reserve team level, at QPR. He may even get the odd first team game and will be well coached by Gerry.

"If boys are not going to be part of your group before 21, then you have to let them make their way when they get a chance. Peter is a super lad, he'll listen and learn and we hope he does well. We will all be interested to see how he fares."

An England youth international, Crouch signed professional forms at the Lane in July 1998, a year after joining us as a trainee.

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