QPR are delighted to announce the £200,000 signing of Charlton Athletic ace Simon Walton.
The 19-year-old midfielder has penned a three-year deal at Loftus Road and, in doing so, becomes John Gregory's seventh arrival of the summer, following in the footsteps of Chris Barker, Danny Nardiello, John Curtis, Michael Mancienne, Ben Sahar and Lee Camp (pictured with John Gregory and fellow new-signing Lee Camp).
"I'm glad it is all sorted out,'' Walton told www.qpr.co.uk. "I've already played five full games during pre-season with Charlton, so I feel fresh and I'm raring to go.
"I like to put my foot in as a player, and give my all for the team. I'd run through a brick wall if asked to.
"I might not play well every week, but I will always give 100 per cent. That's probably one of the main pluses of my game.
"Now I can't wait for the first game of the season against Bristol City on 11th August."
A product of the Leeds United academy, Walton made his professional debut at the tender age of 16.
He went on to make 37 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, before joining Charlton Athletic for a fee of £500,000 at the start of the 2006/07 season.
Iain Dowie's surprise early sacking at The Valley disrupted Walton's progress though, and he spent time on loan at Ipswich Town and Cardiff City.
The tough tackling midfielder, who can also play in defence, scored against the R's last season, in the Tractor Boys' 3-1 win at Loftus Road in August.
Gaffer John Gregory believes he can get the best out of a player once likened to Leeds United and England international David Batty, commenting: "Simon has been a victim of circumstance in the last 18 months or so.
"I think that we will benefit greatly from the fact that Iain Dowie signed Simon at Charlton and Alan Pardew's arrival has meant that Alan wants his own players in his team.
"Consequently, Simon has become surplus to his requirements.
"Simon is 19 years old but his presence on the field belies his age.
"I think he is going to quickly become a fans' favourite with his no-nonsense approach and 100% commitment to wearing the blue and white hooped shirt."
Walton will wear the No.19 shirt.
