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Let's be frank about this. Our team is a League 1 side - as I mentioned in last week's match thread and which Clive also said in his match preview. In fact not only was Clive's emotional piece so accurate but it was laden with solid facts about our team. I think it would be good to re-read that article. So for years we've punched above our weight almost defying the logistics of a poor stadium, FFP, and no player development. But what we saw against a very good Middlesbrough side was - for the first time in many matches - a desire from most of the players. And they kept trying throughout the match instead of 'downing tools' in recent games. If - and I know it is a big if - if we can show that determination against lesser sides on our run-in then we can survive relegation. Yes our defence is poor and we have little goal threat. So as many have said - as Warbs did to great effect - three centre-backs if we have enough fit - with Kakay and Paal as wing backs. Surely that's the only way we can score. And if we combine that with our effort - shown at Middlesbrough - then we can survive. We have an 8-point start on the bottom 3 but have played one more game. Also let's not underestimate that we have so many players injured or not interested. That's why players like Dunne, Field, Seny, Chair and Kakay along with Dickie (hopefully he can come back to form) and Paal, are now so important to us. Just look at that bench today - we're well short of Championship class. But those who want to play for us and give everything as above then we can survive this mess.
My wife, knowing nothing about football, has found us some new loans. And they could be signed as permanent. Nil cost as well including wages. NC might be interested!
Our main gems are Dieng, Field, Willock and Chair - when he is at the top of his game. We also have Dunne,and Dickie. Why would any Premier team buy any of those six? They would all be bench warmers. The club of course needs money. But it's no good selling them each for under a million - just isn't worth it. Our benevolent owners may think understandably otherwise. And the players would surely leave if there was big money for them on the table. But if it's possible let's keep them - if budget allows - and they want to stay. So you have six players of good Championship quality. Then will our two main loanees return - Masterson at Gillingham and de Wijs at Fortuna Dusseldorf? Will Thomas, Amos and our home-grown and quick Kakay (currently out of the squad) improve? I've always enjoyed Kakay's enthusiasm and pace. Would be great to see him deservedly in the team. Will our loanee McCallum - he's only 21 - sign for us full-time? He can improve massively. And what about Odubajo and Ball - contracts finishing. We need some forwards. Will Dykes be with us next season? IMO let's keep all those 15 above. As we all know we need pace everywhere. We need a 'Don Masson' type (for those of you who remember) in midfield. It used to be Jojo pulling the strings when he first came to us but definitely not at the moment. So wing-backs are required, two in midfield, and a couple up front. And that makes 21 players including six coming in! Is it goodbye and out of the squad for Austin, Jojo, loanees Gray, Hendrick and Sanderson (only 22), along with Barbet (back to France but hope not), Uncle and Wallace. The last three - contracts finishing. It's going to be tough to acquire the much-needed quality. But we do have a spine of a side. I hope it's under the care of Warbs. Can't stand the thought of starting all over again with a new manager and another 3 years to build a decent squad with little budget. If Warbs wants to continue let him build his third team (as mentioned before) in a fourth season with the club. Small gains each year. Setbacks will happen. Always aiming for the play-offs - that's our target now. Three years ago we were grateful to survive in the Championship. And one day we will succeed - get into the Premiership - and then build even more with those parachute payments don't you think? I'm still optimistic.
As our season crumbles - let's not forget what a wonderful 2021 we had. We had a great ride and it gave us lots of joy and hope. Now we're back to being realistic. Anywhere in the top 10 is good with the players and the budget we have. I really hope Warbs stays. He's assembled three different teams in three years and has been very successful. Taking over from 19th spot - he's finished 13th, then 9th and wherever we finish this season. How long did it take Brentford to gain promotion to the Premiership? It may take us a few seasons - but I believe that Warbs is the man to guide us there. That's if he wants to of course. It's no good changing manager and starting all over again. Warbs is the man. Yes there'll be big changes to the team for next season. Yes we may sell a few of our better players - but none of them are really Premiership quality - although Willock and Chair could fill the subs bench at a Premier club. Also there is the massive temptation for them of lots more money - even at other Championship sides or overseas. None of us should stand in their way if that's what they want. Miracles of course might happen. We might gain 16 points from our last 8 matches and clinch a play-off spot. Unlikely of course. So let's start again from a stronger position than we were 3 years ago.
Nottingham Forest 3, QPR 1 Did we deserve anything after leading 1-0 at HT? Not really. Yes we did suffer - in very wet conditions - with two hamstring injuries. The most crucial was our best player Willock. He was replaced by Chair - on the half hour. It was much too early to lose Willock. And Marshall — having made two spectacular saves was replaced in the last few minutes by Wallace. We were down to 10 men. We had used all our subs. But it was all over by then. We were beaten because we had little pace to defend against the Forest attack. Yes we tried very hard. Blocking, challenging — almost defending for our lives. And it is to the team's credit. But as we all know pace in our defence is not our highlight. No surprise then that five QPR players were booked — Odjubajo, Dunne. Field, Dozzell and Wallace. Of course the slippery surface was a factor. We did well with a good Gray goal from an acute angle just before HT. Chair created the opportunity and we looked nicely balanced. But that was despite a shaky defence. However after HT we lost it in midfield. We were pressed further and further back by a patient Forest. A spectacular goal from Spence from 30 yards - 10 mins after HT made it 1-1. And apart from a short spell of possession we were just not fast enough to cope with the opposition attacks. On came Jojo and and Hendrick for Dozzell and Amos just after the hour. But it made little difference. An own goal — it seems from Dickie - from a corner with Yates connecting - (Yates will claim it) made it 2-1 to Forest 7 mins from time - and then Johnson added a third. The defeat could have been bigger with Yates missing two clear first half chances and Amos missed too. That could have made all the difference. But let’s forget the word ‘If’. We were well beaten having now won just once in 38 matches at Forest. So where do we go to from here with our next match at home to Peterboro on Sunday (1230)? Well first do we have a keeper? No Seny, Marshall now very doubtful, and Archer out long term. And Willock is most likely out too. So problems for Warbs. Ironic isn’t it? 1-0 down at HT at Luton on Sunday and we go on to win 2-1. 1-0 up at HT at Forest and we lose 3-1. We now drop two places from Sunday to 6th. We’re still in it — certainly if we beat Peterborough. We remain 4 points behind 3rd placed Huddersfield with a game in hand. We are two points behind 4th placed Blackburn also with a game in hand. We are a point behind 5th placed Luton. We are level with 7th placed Middlesbro on points and goal difference. And we are a point clear of 8th placed Forest, having played one more game and we are also a point clear of Sheffield United - and we’ve got to play them twice. We’re on 59 points from 37 games. At the same stage last year we were 12th with 50 points. That’s an improvement of 6 places and 9 more points. The average points required to make the play-offs is 74. Robith - on his statistics thread — says 75 points would be enough this season to qualify. To get that and more we need at least 15/16 from our last 9. Is it possible — definitely. We must remain optimistic. Next match then this Sunday H. v Peterborough (1230). Twice we’ve lost to them this season away in the Championship and FA Cup. So those 9 matches left. Opponents current position in brackets. H. Peterboro (24) this Sunday March 20 followed by after the international break H. Fulham (1) Sat April 2 A. Sheff Utd. (9) Tue April 5 A. Preston (14) Sat April 9 A. Huddersfield (3) Fri April 15 H. Derby (23) Mon April 18 A. Stoke (16) Sat April 23 H. Sheff Utd (9) Sat April 30 A. Swansea (15) Sat May 7 And finally well done to those 1000+ QPR fans who went to Forest. They cheered the team on. Let's keep doing that at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Sunday.
QPR FT REPORT Luton 1 QPR 2. How did we win this? Daylight robbery. And for once it went our way. Unbelievable — what else can you say? At half time it was going to be - let’s forget about the play-offs. It would make it less painful for the rest of the season. But somehow we captured all three points and miraculously are now fourth. It’s just our second win from our last 8 Championship matches. It ended a run of four successive away League defeats without scoring. Yes we are still a pale shadow of 2021. But we won — that’s all that matters. It will surely boost our confidence. To play so poorly — bouncing back from 1-0 down at HT after a Marshall error — is quite sensational - Cameron Jerome scoring — slipping through Marshall’s hands. Someone said on the match thread — Marshall — like Joe Lumley — makes impressive saves but then concedes a howler. But 10 minutes after HT Gray created the penalty and then scored one of the best penalties you’ll ever see — hammering the ball home - leaving the keeper rooted to the spot. His first penalty in 5 years. It was a cracker. Then with Amos replacing the very poor Hendrick and Willock substituting for Gray — the extra speed and quality made the difference. Willock’s corner 7 minutes from time caught the shoulder of Dickie at the near post and somehow it went into the net. The ref failed to spot Amos in an offside position blocking the keeper. Sometimes we are lucky after all! Victory for us ended Luton’s unbeaten home form since the end of November. So fourth spot for us. We are 4 points behind 3rd placed Huddersfield with a game in hand. We’re a point ahead of 5th placed Blackburn — also with a game in hand. We’re 2 points clear of 6th placed Sheffield United — and we’ve got to play them twice. And now we’re 2 points clear of 7th placed Luton. We’re on 59 points from 36 games. At the same stage last year we were 12th with 49 points. That’s an improvement of 8 places and 10 more points. The average points required to make the play-offs is 74. To get that and more we need at least 15 from our last 10. Is it possible — definitely. So those 10 matches left. Opponents current position in brackets. Next match on Wednesday A. Nott. Forest (9) Followed by H. Peterboro (24) Sun March 20 H. Fulham (1) Sat April 2 A. Sheff Utd. (6) Tue April 5 A. Preston (13) Sat April 9 A. Huddersfield (3) Fri April 15 H. Derby (23) Mon April 18 A. Stoke (15) Sat April 23 H. Sheff Utd (6) Sat April 30 A. Swansea (16) Sat May 7 And a final note on those QPR fans at Luton. Well done. Cheering on the team does make a difference.
We're back in it - that's if we win at 6th placed Luton. Got to be optimistic. Victory and we go from 7th to fourth. Most of our nearest play-off rivals all dropped points. Third placed Huddersfield drew their Friday match 2-2 at West Brom. Fourth placed Blackburn lost 1-0 at home to Bristol City after missing a penalty to take the lead in the closing stages. Fifth placed Sheff Utd lost 4-1 at Coventry. And 8th placed Middlesbro drew 0-0 at Millwall. 12 teams still have a possible chance of a play-off spot. And by the way - it's official - we can't be relegated with Barnsley drawing with leaders Fulham. Win at Luton and we're back on the horse. Optimistic? Why not?
It's taken several hours to sort of recover from such a disappointing defeat at Barnsley. On the match thread (FT REPORT page 12 @1711) nothing has changed - and what everybody else largely mentioned during a tough afternoon. It was a terrible performance - not that we didn't try - we did - but our skill levels were awful. The first thing is - to get back on the winning road - we have to be truthful. And to Warbs credit - he doesn't hide - his post-match interview was spot on. No cover-up - he said what it is - we were not good enough. What Warbs, Hoos and Ferdinand have done AND the Board members - over nearly 3 years - is given us hope. Too much hope. We have over-achieved - by a long way. It's remarkable that the club has cut costs - millions of pounds - and improved our position every year. That's in addition for the directors keeping the club alive by pumping in - is it one and a half million a month? When Warbs took over as manager we had just avoided relegation. We finished 19th. The next year we were 13th and last year 9th. Now we're in a promotion play-off spot of fourth. Last August if anyone had said that on February 12 2022 we would be in 4th spot and five points clear of the 7th placed club - I'm sure most of us would have been happy with that. Clever buying, smart loans-in - have played their part - and all with such a small budget. We are really a small club - but credit to everyone at HQ. We are punching well above our weight. Who would want to follow a big Premiership club - with all their millions - instead of our highs and lows at QPR. It's so much more fun - and painful at times too. So why do we have these amazing runs and then fall flat on our face against lower clubs - like Peterborough and Barnsley? Our strength is our togetherness with some exceptional talent in Willock and Chair along with some good quality all around the park. Our weakness IMO is our attack. Can you imagine how well we would be doing with say a Mitrovic. I know - it's impossible to acquire someone like that - but just a thought. What we lack is pace. No pace up front. The only pace we have is from our wonderful Uncle Albert. Remarkable with his poise, balance and speed - at this Championship level and at the age of 34. What pace do we have in midfield - Chair and Willock of course - and also Thomas - but it seems at the moment - his skill levels are below those outstanding two. Defence has much improved but we are not the fastest of hares out of the traps. But now for the next 16 matches we've got the squad that hopefully will take us to the Promised Land - and the money that will benefit us in the long run - regardless whether we become as most likely - a yoyo team - like Norwich. The major thing we do have is the togetherness of our squad. And this has been created by Warbs - respect for one another and work hard for one another. What perhaps worries me is that the loan acquisitions in the transfer window of Sanderson and Hendrick might have upset the apple cart. Warbs says we have to have competition for places. But before these two very good players arrived we were doing ok. It takes time for players to adapt to a new club and new surroundings. So in this special situation where our pre-transfer window players had done really well and for the whole season - I question whether to acquire these loan players has been beneficial. But I do understand the reasons why - quality players - ready in case of injuries and suspensions. The only way though that we will achieve promotion - and that's a massive IF - is to recapture that togetherness and energy - and then deliver on the field - as if our lives depended on it. We have to be over-achieving for the rest of the season. We have to be better than the sum of our parts. It didn't happen against Peterborough, Middlesbrough or Barnsley. Hope we recapture that energy and resume our winning ways at Milwall on Tuesday.
There comes a time that a top six club has a a big run of victories. Perhaps the next 7 Championship matches - at the end of this month and all November - is that moment for QPR. As Clive alluded to last week - the big 3 away matches at Bournemouth, West Brom and Fulham are done and dusted and now we face clubs not really in that category. We could get 19 points from these 7 matches - 6 wins and a draw. And yes I'm dreaming but let's be optimistic. - A. Oct 23 Peterborough (currently in 20th) - 3 points (not forgetting Division 1 Sunderland in the League Cup on Tuesday) H. Oct 29 Nottingham Forest (14th) - 3 points A. Nov 3 Cardiff (21st) - 3 points A. Nov 6 Blackpool (12th) - 1 point H. Nov 19 Luton (9th) - 3 points H. Nov 24 Huddersfield (6th) - 3 points A. Nov 29 Derby (24th - 3 points) If this turns out correct - we would have 40 points from 20 matches - a solid foundation for a top six spot. - By the way credit to Wayne Rooney's Derby County following their 12 points deduction. Whatever you think of him and that club he must be doing something right. Three wins, 7 draws and just 3 defeats is not bad. If they don't get hit with more deductions they will probably survive.
Warbs has got a very tough selection choice for the League Cup home match against Oxford Utd on Tuesday. Will the following have recovered from injury/unwell? De Wijs, Wallace, McCallum, Dykes and also Dickie who seemed to have a niggle v Barnsley. Plus of course no Field or Amos. Out on loan Bettache, Masterson, Bonne and Hamaleinen. Have I left anyone out? By naming only 6 on the bench v Barnsley it goes to show how thin we are for back-up. This is our Achilles heel. You would think the starters on Tuesday (bearing in mind we want our strongest available line-up v Coventry at home on Saturday and most of the team need a rest) would be Archer Odubajo, Dunne, McCallum (if recovered) needing 2 centre-backs if we play wing backs. So maybe a chance for Gubbins with Dickie and Barbet each playing 45 minutes? In the middle Thomas, Dozzell and Duke-Mckenna, with Willock and Chair each playing 45 minutes. Up front Kelman. That leaves Ball as the third sub. Quite a dilemma for Warbs to keep the team fresh for Coventry.
Here are the facts. Our team generally is League 1 standard. This follows the departure of Eze, Manning plus loanees Hugill and Wells. As we have no money we can only acquire players of League 1 standard. Or players with future promise! Whatever Warbs does can he improve what we've got? He's trying to make a better cake but always with the same ingredients. Will a different manager make any difference - perhaps a different system? And with the same players. Against Swansea Warbs did try a different system - but same result. His philosophy is attractive football but with League 1 players. Can he improve a defence that is always liable to concede and a forward line that is nowhere near the class of Hugill and Wells. Unlikely. However I still believe we can survive this season in the Championship. But we do need lots of luck along with that miracle. Two good things if the worst comes to the worst. In 12 months time the virus hopefully will be under control and we'll be in the top 3 in League 1. And that's all I've got to say - for the moment!
As we all know - Warbs task is to deliver a team that we can all respect. He has a very thin squad and there's no money. It's an almost impossible task. So as none of us know what goes on at the training ground here are my Xmas thoughts. Let's be creative with what we've got. Let's cover our defensive deficiencies and keep more of the ball and find out whether Dykes and Bonne can do justice up front. So here's the suggestion. Let's have three centre backs and two wing backs. Then flood the midfield with our lone striker up front. Here's my team - Dieng of course. Then Kakay (if fit) and Hamaleinen as the wing backs. The three centre-backs Masterson, Dickie and Barbet with Masterson, when he can, moving ahead of the other two. The midfield - supported by Kakay and Hamaleinen - with Ball just behind Carroll, Chair and Willock with Dykes the striker. Time for Cameron and Kane to have a rest, and BOS not picked for the reasons many have stated. All three on the bench along with Uncle and Bonne. And let's give some play time for Bettache and Kelman along with Thomas. Thoughts? But no negativity please. It gets us nowhere so let's keep it positive and constructive. Isn't it time for positive good cheer?
It’s very understandable that there are big rumblings that Warbs should go.
More defeats between now and the end of the year and it may turn out that the management and Warbs have amicably agreed to depart.
But I’d keep Warbs — as mentioned in posts and particularly in the December 3 piece under ‘Warbs hope he stays for years’.
I also mentioned “Remember the target - a financially stable club, a decent stadium, and a team we all enjoy watching”.
We need stability. Chopping and changing the manager and then inevitably the team will hardly make a difference. In fact it will make it worse.
This is a very long-term project as said 5-10 years. We have the basis of a good team — especially as many of them have signed long-term contracts. We cannot buy ready-made terrific players. We have to rely on youth — regardless.
We are literally starting from scratch — and in the Championship.
Remember Southampton kept manager Ralph Hasenhüttl last year after such a sticky period. And look at them now.
If an oil-rich sheikh or a billionaire American etc bought the club then we can buy who we want and we will be in the Premiership within a few years. It could happen if the owners decide enough is enough. In fact why don’t they? But is that what WE really want?
Remember if a country’s economy is good then it can do good things. At the moment the club is heading towards a ‘good economy’ and hopefully the rest will follow. But it takes several years.
I’m convinced we won’t be relegated but I’m worried like everyone else. There are at least 3 worse sides than us in the Championship.
BUT let’s say we were relegated. I know that's not what we want but would that be a good thing so the youngsters (with those long-term contracts) can develop?
This team would bounce straight back IMO from Division 1.
The following youngsters will IMO improve dramatically - Dieng, Kakay, Hamaleinen, Masterson, Chair, Willock, and Dykes (if he gets some service). That’s along with Bettache and eventually Kelman. Carroll would make it tick plus Amos when he’s back next season. And Dickie will be fine in Division 1 and hopefully improve. too. Thomas as well (although he’s had such little time on the pitch). We also keep Kane - as well as uncle Adomah for short bursts. That’s the heart of our side.
Promoted then from Division 1 in 2022 — keeping the same team for the first time in 3 seasons — and with all that extra game-time and experience for the players challenge for a top 6 place in the Championship in 2022-23 season. Is that a good target? And yes — before you ask - I’d prefer the team to do its learning in the Championship.
I like Warbs style when it works — press and attack. But I’m obviously very uncomfortable (like everyone else) the way we defend — and gifting goals. Even Warbs says ‘sloppy’ goals to give away. That’s his Achilles heel.
Someone mentioned a defence coach. I’m all for that. A good organized defence takes the pressure off the rest of the team.
And finally a word on BOS. He’s a powerful player and an addition to any team in the Championship — but apart from the occasional - his crosses are woeful. He runs into a dead end or shoots frequently wide or into the side-netting. Yes he’s scored two great goals — one last year and one this year
But this is a team game not a solo effort. Without doubt he’s one of our very best players. But if he’s not going to stay then hopefully he will depart in the January window and we can get on in developing the side. If he stays (unlikely) — then he must improve his crosses and become a team player.
The funny thing is - he’ll probably produce some outstanding performances between now and the end of the year to catch the eye of prospective buyers — if there are any? Hopefully that will help us towards getting some points before 2020 finishes.
Of course we should vent our feelings about the manager and the team - especially when we play some great football and then throw it all away. After all we have to get rid of our frustrations somewhere! This is a great place to do it and exchange ideas.
But to dismiss Warburton (as some have suggested especially when we lose) at the end of the season is nuts - totally nuts. Even if we were relegated (and it won't happen) I would keep him - absolutely. The question is - will Warburton want to stay? He doesn't need the money. He does it cos his heart is in it. And most of his philosophy is great.
He hasn't got the cash to spend unlike many Premier League clubs and some in the Championship. How many of those Premier managers would survive in the Championship. Very few. Warburton has the task of trying to spin gold from straw.
Remember when he came on board - following the disasters of previous years? We have had huge financial problems, trying to improve a training ground, and a falling down stadium.
He was given a massive long-term task which he accepted. 1. That is - as we all know only too well - buy or hire low and sell high. 2. At the same time develop a team that is competitive at this level.
Yes let us all dream about a top 6 finish. That's what we all want but let's be realistic.
Warburton has done a fantastic job. In just over 18 months he's had to dismantle a team - cos the wages were too high, create another last year which included loans - and we did well - and this year another new team - mainly youngsters - and we actually own them. And in 45 minute bursts (especially the last 3 games) we have produced some of the best football that QPR has delivered in decades.
At the same time the owners have finally bought (to be developed) a big training ground.
This is not a 2/3 year project - it's a project for 5-10 years. If we have success earlier than that - then great. Of course we suffer especially when we play well as we did against Brentford and then Bristol City - and then lose. But this is professional sport - fine margins.
Improvement comes by small margins. Look at the British cycling team - a laughing stock not so long ago. But by small margins they improved and are now one of the best in the world.
Is Warburton the man to lead us? I believe he is. It's a long-term mission. As long as the dressing room backs him - and we see small marginal gains then I hope he stays with us for a very long time. This year the gains have been good. Goalkeeper, right-back and left-back - all new (Dieng, Kakay, Hamaleinen) and progressing. Add Dickie. We're not there yet - but we are on the right track. Chair, Willock, BOS (until he goes) along with Carroll. And I'm looking forward to seeing Bettache. Then Dykes - he'll get there but give him time. Bonne I hope and young Kelman.
We've got a lot to look forward too. And yes it's going to be a very bumpy ride, very frustrating but what we all saw in the last 3 games and in spells earlier this season was exciting and riveting.
Let's back Warburton and the team which hopefully is going to develop into a terrific side with one or two additions.
Warbs always says - as everyone does - matches are defined by fine margins. Against Brentford this was so true.
1. Sorenson should have been sent off in the first half - as last player fouling Dykes. 2. Dykes with Chair free - missed a golden chance to make it 2-1. 3. And as usual we cannot defend from set pieces - again. I'm a fan of Hamalainen but why was he defending against Toney? 4. And please let Carroll with his educated left foot take the corners instead of Chair.
Why do we only play one half of great football - certainly in the last 3 matches? Is it lack of fitness? It seems so. And if so - why? At this level these players should be able to do the full 90 minutes. Am I missing something? Can someone explain?
The positives 1. The first half - excellent. 2. Dickie was outstanding and Barbet was good. 3. Willock did 70 mins instead of 60 - that's a good sign. 4. BOS as always speed, strength and great cross for Dykes goal. 5. Chair more consistent these days - so nicely balanced.
The negatives. 1. Fitness - is it? Suggested above. When that goes everything goes. 2. We're back to conceding 2 goals a match 3. I really like Warbs attitude of 'free flowing football'. But as we've said for such a long time - look at the stats - we are the worst in the Championship again for defending set-pieces, corners, and headers and second worst for crosses. Can someone tell me why?
All that lovely football undone by these negatives. So frustrating. But when they play well in three halves in the last three matches - they are enjoyable to watch.
Where are we at the moment? Brentford is the litmus paper test. We seem to be improving in fits and starts. The long term looks bright (but no BOS it seems) with all those youngsters. Second half against Watford, first half against Rotherham - outstanding. We need 90 minutes from everyone - fitness crucial but difficult with two games per week.
Long term (2/3 years) what have we got? Well we have at least six players, some with long term contracts, that can improve to top 6 Championship level or even higher. Dieng, age 26, contract expires June 2024 Kakay, 23, June 2024 Hamaleinen, 23, June 2024 Chair, 23, June 2023 Willock, 22, June 2023 BOS, 22, (on his way out!), June 2021
Then we have the possibles that may improve and have long term contracts:- Dickie, 24, June 2024 Dykes, 25, June 2024 Masterson, 22, June 2023 and of course Amos, 23, June 2023, when he hopefully returns.
Then we have the solids - the glue - the experience required Kane, Cameron, Barbet, Ball (whose only 25), Carroll and Adomah;
Then we have the untried Thomas, 23, June 2023 Bettache, 20, June 2023 Alfa, 21, June 2023 Kelman, 19, June 2023
Question over Bonne, 25, June 2023
So Warbs - he's doing a great job IMO - we need a good CB in January transfer window. Keep 90% of the team together for 2 years and we'll be challenging inside the top six. What do you think?
What current QPR player could be in the team ahead of ex-QPR players since 2015? Here's my possible side off the top of my head in a rough 4-3-3. Bit worried about the centre-backs maybe? Smithies Furling, Onuoha, Dunne, Hill, Freeman, Taarabt, Eze, Wells, Austin, Zamora (nostalgic pick);
That was arguably the R's best performance of the season against a side that will finish surely in the promotion hunt. To bounce back from horrendous defensive errors to go 1-nil down within 3 minutes of the start and then to play with such quality was highly impressive. And they maintained it throughout the match and improved even more when the subs came on Hamaleinen, Willock, Dykes - and uncle who was just a little disappointing with his crosses. The speed at which the R's passed, the diagonal crosses and most notably the effort to defend when losing the ball was high quality. And the equalising goal was a stunner - quick passes around the box - with Chair delivering a fine finish. We deserved all three points. Congratulations to all the players. If only we can play like that every week!
Warbs obviously reads Loft For Words! As mentioned Nov 1. Although we lost at Blackburn the substitutions were impressive. Kane moved up to right midfield with Kakay his replacement. And Kane so close when hitting the post. Willock good too. Dykes isn’t getting the right service IMO. He needs the ball crossed into the box so he can head back to a supporting player like he did with that Ball goal last weekend We went for the win v Blackburn after Dykes smashed in the pen. And then got punished by 2 breakaways against 2/3 players who are of a higher standard. Although defeat is not great we showed in that spell just after HT what we can do. Remember no BOS cos of injury today. Agreed with other posts - Willock to start with BOS on the other wing and Chair in the centre. Uncle as sub for one of those 3 if required. Uncle is a class act. The defence despite conceding 3 is so much better than last season with Dieng brilliant. So it’s in attack we have a problem. But Dykes could be good if we give him the right service. And we know Bonne can head the ball. I’ve got a lot of faith in Warbs. Slowly but surely he’s getting the best out of the players we have. One thing - as a newby this season on LFW - why are so many people negative and nasty to each other? We all have one thing in common. We all want QPR to do well. Yes constructive opinion is good but negativity and being nasty - there’s no reason for it. We are a little club with big dreams. I’m looking forward to the day when we’re in the Premiership again. We are trying to be financially sensible. We’ve got the training ground now. Hopefully a new stadium one day. And hopefully each year improvements on the field of play. It’s a tough task. It can be done. It’s fun too with joy when we win and heartache when we lose. Let’s be positive.
Is there any chance that Warbs could pick Kane to play the Amos role? As we have such a small squad Kane in defensive midfield looks a good bet. Let's face it he can shoot on target and score - underlined by the goal against Cardiff and against Millwall in July. And by the way we've only conceded one goal from open play in the last SIX matches. Goals conceded 5 penalties, two own goals and one from open play. Just a thought.
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