Hogan Ephraim interview
Hogan Ephraim's spell under Leeds United's wing is likely to be for one month and one month only, but he hopes to leave a lasting impression on a club who may join his own in the Championship next season.
QPR sent Ephraim to Leeds on loan on the last day of the emergency window, but his parent club were clear in their insistence that he would return in January to resume his career at Loftus Road.
The winger cannot be entirely certain of what the remainder of this term holds for him – less so after Jim Magilton, QPR's manager, was suspended by Rangers this week – but he set his mind on making the most of a transfer which is introducing him to life away from the south of England.
Born in Islington and, for most of his career, based in London, Ephraim was pleased to be offered a move which covered several key bases.
He was joining a club in excellent form, at the top of their division and oozing ambition. The switch to Elland Road also presented a change of scene, something that the 21-year-old was happy to accept after several weeks on the sidelines following surgery.
Ephraim said: "I had an ankle operation six or seven weeks back and although I'd been on the bench at QPR, I wasn't playing too much or getting many minutes.
"A few offers came up but Leeds seemed a good place to come and play.
"They'd been mentioned a few times when I moved on loan before and I'd always wanted to come up north, to experience being away from London. It's a bit cold up here but I'll get used to it as the month goes on!
"A couple of Championship clubs were interested along with a couple of League One clubs, so there was a bit of a mixture. But the attraction with Leeds was them being top of the league, winning regularly and playing well.
"It was a bigger attraction than going to the Championship and maybe joining a mid-table team. That was a pull.
"QPR told me on the day I left that I had to be back after a month and they had no intention of selling me. They told me that at the start of the season as well but we'll see what happens.
"I've got a year-and-a-half left on my contract and I'm happy there. If they want to sell me then they want to sell me but I've come here to play my own game and make an impression."
Elland Road has been a tranquil setting this season – unusually so for a club who, for the best part of five years, were rarely without problems – but the club Ephraim left behind are in disarray after the suspension of Magilton on Wednesday.
The decision was taken after Rangers launched an internal investigation into an incident involving Magilton and midfielder Akos Buzsaky during their Championship game against Watford on Monday evening.
Magilton, who denied any wrongdoing, has promised to co-operate with QPR's investigation and hopes to return to his post in the near future.
Ephraim's transfer to Leeds has spared him for now from the confusion which is currently surrounding Loftus Road.
Moving to Elland Road was not for him a leap in the dark.
Ephraim knew Glynn Snodin, United's first-team coach, from his time at West Ham United – the club where he began his career as a trainee – and was well aware of Leeds' background, their recent history and their ambition to escape from League One after two-and-a-half seasons in the division.
"Everyone knows the history of Leeds – that eight years ago they were in the Champions League semi-finals," he said.
"For a few seasons they've been unlucky in the play-offs but they've got some fantastic players here – lads like Neil Kilkenny and Jermaine Beckford.
"Obviously they're a League One club but they're better than that and when you come to a club that's winning regularly, it's easy to slot in.
"These players will make me look good as well. I'm playing with good players at QPR and I wanted to continue that here.
"I was also with Glynn at West Ham and he seemed a good coach when he was there. He can be fiery at times but he's a football man.
"He's been around the game for a long time and worked at the top level so he's someone that the players can learn from. He's a very good person to have at the club."
For years, Ephraim has modelled himself on Teddy Sheringham and Ryan Giggs, two players who may not be held in the highest esteem by
United's supporters on account of their links to a club on the far side of the Pennines. He does, however, hope his style of play will resonate with United's fanbase, proving that there is more to his game than pace and creative skill.
"I like to get forward and create chances, and to score a couple of goals myself," he said. "But I also take a lot of pride in my defensive work and helping out the full-back behind me. I'm a hard-working player who always tries to give his best.
"Teddy Sheringham was a massive idol of mine because growing up I used to play just behind the striker. I was lucky enough to play with him at West Ham, and that was a great privilege.
"Anyone will tell you as well that Ryan Giggs is also the perfect idol. I know the Leeds' fans aren't too big on Manchester United but even they probably can't deny that he's one of the best in the English game."
YEP
