West Brom under-21s notebook: Decisions on futures and harsh lessons

Two goals from striker Eseosa Sule were not enough for the junior Baggies, who led 1-0 and trailed 2-1, as QPR came on stronger later in the second half to secure progression.

We caught up with under-21s boss Richard Beale afterwards to discuss the defeat. In the latest under-21s notebook are some of his thoughts and other observations from the clash.

Mixed night for goalscorer Sule

Former Celtic striker Sule turned 19 on Tuesday and his double might have been a perfect pre-birthday present but for the tie's disappointing outcome.

The pacy frontman - who joined Albion from the Hoops early in 2023 and is out of contract this summer - was a thorn in QPR's backline all evening. His speed and movement caused all manner of problems and were key to his well-taken goals.

But it could have been a better night for the Scot personally, as well as for Albion. Sule had another two one-v-ones saved by busy Rs goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd, who guessed right on both occasions. Beale's youngsters were largely dominant in the opening period.

Sule can take solace in his goals - he is now on 10 for the season - but one or two more may have put the Baggies through. His overall threat, though, will have impressed coaching staff. He showed good strength to bundle a defender away for the second.

Decision time on futures

Most of those playing for Albion against QPR had learned about their futures at the club in advance.

Spring means time for academy staff to reveal to youngsters across several age groups whether they will progress with the club via a scholarship, a new contract, or be released.

Albion academy manager Richard Stevens and other youth staff delivered the news to youngsters in recent weeks. A handful of the under-21s have existing deals running next season and beyond.

Beale said: "Any coach will tell you the same, it's the hardest (time), especially in development football. Your job is to build people up and help careers. Nobody wants to release anybody.

"The under-18s had their decisions last week, the under-21s a few weeks ago, we like to do it as early as possible to give them the opportunity to find another club. On the flip side the boys who get a contract, it's positive to show the investment and faith the club's put in them.

"Those meetings are horrible, not nice. But it's really nice when you're giving the good news."

Exit reaction

Two goals from Rs striker Cian Dillon, either side of Emmerson Sutton tap-in, earned the visitors progression in a clash QPR initially trailed 1-0 before fighting back. Balls behind defences caused havoc all night and QPR's first and second goals both came from simple finishes from a delivery flashed across from the right.

"The lads did really well to get to this stage but I felt we didn't perform like we can do, which is disappointing for everybody concerned," Beale said.

"That being said we created enough chances to win, didn't take them and defended poorly for the goal. You get your just rewards in football and we didn't deserve to win.

"It's never nice for individuals that missed chances, there's certainly no blame attached because as a collective we weren't good enough overall. We had enough chances to win and the defending for the three goals was disappointing. Good luck to QPR. It's more important to develop but a win would've been lovely and there was an opportunity there for us."

Albion attackers Ollie Bostock and Akeel Higgins missed out with minor injuries, with midfielder Cole Deeming also sidelined. Striker Layton Love is yet to return from a lengthy setback.

Targets for season end

Beale's side have three league fixtures remaining in PL2, beginning at Leicester next Monday before a home Solihull face-off with Arsenal on April 14 and a closing trip to Middlesbrough four days later.

The junior Baggies are currently 18th in the division of 26 teams. The top 16 qualify for the end of season play-offs as well as a place in next season's International Cup, which is a group stage competition involving ties against European opponents.

"We always talk about development first and foremost and being your best regardless of winning or loses," added Beale. "The lads have put themselves in a position now where the focus is on games like this - we got knocked out of the quarter-final - in the league it'd be nicer to be talking about winning it, or being second or third, but there are things to go for.

"If we can finish as high as we can it brings more things, potentially play-offs or potentially the International Cup, it would be brilliant for West Brom to play against European opposition."