John Gregory has described the late Ray Jones as 'a beautiful boy, who had the potential to become a QPR legend.'

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk this afternoon, Gregory said: "Ray was a beautiful boy. He was a fantastic person, with a big, big heart.

"He was only 18 years of age and had his best footballing years in front of him. He was already a hero amongst QPR supporters and he had the potential to go on and become a legend.

"I remember he was the star of the show in my first few weeks here.

"He scored the first goal of my reign against Hull City and then notched a typical Ray Jones goal against Southampton a week later.

"He really did have the footballing world at his feet and the fact he can't go on and fulfil the undoubted potential he had is a tragedy in itself.

"It's hit everyone at the Football Club really hard. The players are absolutely devastated.

"Ray was one of the most popular figures in the dressing room. No-one ever had a bad word to say about him and that for me says everything you need to know about Ray Jones, the person and the footballer.

"It's a tragic loss and our sympathies and condolences go out to his family and friends at this awful time."