Having seen his team battle to Premier League survival last season, Mark Hughes promised that QPR would never find themselves in a relegation dog fight again, whilst he was at the helm.
It was a bold statement to make, but the ambitions of the West Londoners are well publicised. Their budget is superior in comparison with other recently promoted teams, the permanent signings of Djibril Cisse, Bobby Zamora and Nedum Onuhoa in January proved this.
Likewise their business so far in the summer transfer market highlights a club that both wants, and has the financial means, to progress.
Arriving in Shepherds Bush since the end of May; Robert Green, Ryan Nelsen and Andy Johnson. One an England international, one the New Zealand captain and defensive stalwart and one a renowned Premier League goal poacher.
Mark Hughes, following his arrival in January, inherited Neil Warnock’s squad, but wasted little time in trying to make it his own. The Welshman brought in Cisse and Zamora for £4million apiece in the mid season transfer window, these two formed a striking partnership and, in doing so, shifted Warnock signing Jay Bothroyd to the substitute’s bench.
The Welsh manager has also rewarded Clint Hill, out of favour under Warnock, with a new contract whilst releasing Fitz Hall and Danny Gabbidon, so far this summer.
As a former Manchester United striker, Hughes, still enjoys a good working relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and highly rated Fabio has arrived on loan from United this week, whilst the R’s yesterday agreed a £2million fee for South Korean international, Park Ji Sung from Old Trafford.
Ever an ambitious manager, the former Blackburn and Manchester City boss made it clear that he was by the Loftus Road clubs potential and looks to be trying to shape a team that can progress and challenge in this division over the years ahead.
It will be enthralling to see how QPR do next season.
Below is Mark Hughes’ reaction to his teams survival last season.