So after a slow start to the campaign, things look like they might be starting to work out for Queens Park Rangers.
QPR started the season at home and were taught a lesson by a well-equipped Bolton side who really gave Rangers a taste of what it was like to be back in the big time.
On that day it was clear that Neil Warnock’s side had its problem most notably with a really sloppy defensive display. Issues on the pitch were not being helped by what was going on off of it, as Flavio Briatore failed to make a discreet early exit from Loftus Road with his team being squashed.
After leading the Championship for almost an entire season, QPR’s fortunes seem to have changed and the club has received a huge lift following the arrival of Tony Fernandes, the new chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd and now majority shareholder of the club having purchased Bernie Eccleston’s 66% stake in the London outfit.
Fernandes promised Neil Warnock that money would be available to help improve his squad and, following a hard-earned victory at Everton last weekend, the feel good factor seems to be edging its way back to Loftus Road with some new faces being brought into the team.
Warnock has already successfully brought in players with Premier League experience in the form of Danny Gabbidon, DJ Campbell and the once again injury-struck Kieron Dyer. Rangers also managed to win the race to signed Cardiff’s Jay Bothroyd, who had become a free agent after his 20-goal season in Wales.
The signings haven’t stopped there though and after being given the green light by Fernandes, Warnock flexed the club’s muscles in the transfer window this week. QPR have managed to pull off the signing of talented bad boy (and England’s self-proclaimed best midfielder) Joey Barton who will not only add experience and creativity but will also give QPR that extra bit of steel and passion.
Warnock wasn’t done there though as Aston Villa’s Luke Young is also set to make his way to Loftus Road and could be followed by former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, if QPR can win their battle with Stoke for the signature of the Manchester City man.
With their first League winner under their belts and their early Carling Cup exit, a good thing according the gaffer, QPR have started to get a bit of momentum going. Off the pitch the club’s problems have been sorted, Warnock doesn’t look like he is finished in the transfer window yet and Rangers come off the back of a big win at Goodison Park heading into this weekend’s game at Wigan. A game which, after the week the club has endured, QPR might just be expected to win.
Matt Cotton @FindingCotton