NEW QPR coach and ex-Worcester City joint-boss Matt Gardiner has been touted for a Premier League future by one his closest allies.

Current City boss John Snape was assistant when Gardiner took his first managerial post at Redditch United in 2010.

Snape then worked as first-team coach at Worcester with Gardiner acting as Carl Heeley's right-hand man before stepping up to equal status.

Gardiner totalled four years at City before then-landlords Kidderminster Harriers swooped to make him head of coaching in a full-time set up under manager John Eustace.

Ex-Derby County midfielder Eustace was lured away by new Rs boss Steve McClaren last month with Gardiner then joining the party on Friday.

Measured and erudite, Gardiner is known as one of the nice guys on the non-league circuit but Snape insists that soon changes when the chips are down before tipping his mate to make the most of his golden opportunity.

"I'm over the moon for Matt," said Snape.

"His dedication to his job has seen him reach the Football League and I can only see him pushing on from there.

"He is a very determined and hard-working coach, he may come across in a very pleasant manner but believe me, he is focused and has an unbelievably ruthless edge."

Gardiner and Snape left Redditch in February 2011 when a paltry playing budget was axed altogether.

It was a baptism of fire but one Snape argued had stood his colleague in good stead.

"It was a difficult time at Redditch but it showed how willing Matt was to cover every area from the youth to the first team," Snape added.

"He was at 95 per cent of the sessions that took place, anyone who played for Redditch would have been seen by the manager.

"It was a broad remit, he made sure the club was on the radio, he used his business links and worked very hard in what was a tricky time down there.

"At Worcester he played a big part in the FA Cup successes. He knew the league inside out and was generally out at games or training five nights per week.

"His tactical awareness not only of his own team but opponents as well was really impressive.

"He had a great partnership with Carl and I hope the knowledge he has built up will see him reach the Premier League one day."

On his appointment, Gardiner said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I am really excited about.

"I like to coach and develop young players. QPR seems the perfect fit for me when you look at their ethos and approach."