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Since Andrew Ellis withdrew his bid to buy QPR, it would seem the consortium involving Maurice Fitzgerald appear to be in poll position to take control, and whilst their intentions for the club, as outlined in a recent bid statement, appear to be fine, exactly who would become chairman?
It’s one thing having the money to run a football club, but another to have the credibility. Chris Wright tried and failed — like many a chairman up and down the country — so even when we do eventually find new owners, our financial problems won’t necessarily be over for good.
Considering everything, the current pre-season has to go down as one of our best ever. We all know it has little reflection on how QPR will do this season, but it’s difficult to not think the signs are looking promising. Ian Holloway is crafting a squad based on commitment and skill — the two vital ingredients.
The attitude pre-season from each and every player has been exemplory — the days of seeing over-paid under-performing players trotting around Loftus Road with their minds elsewhere thankfully appear to be over.
I’d be perfectly happy to see a season of mid-table stability. An instant return to Division 1 cannot be ruled out, but would have to be classed as something of a miracle — over 20 players have departed this year alone, and regardless of their individual ability, very few teams would be expected to come out of it in a stronger position. The few players that have joined QPR come from the only part of the transfer market we can compete in — free-transfer rejects from other clubs and the non-leagues. Along with a few stragglers kept on from the Youth Academy, the squad has regained much of its bulk from previous years, but is much weaker in ability — for the time being at least. The difference is though that the present squad has greater potential to progress.
At any given time over the last two or three years, you could probably count a dozen players on the injury list. If this continues, we will be hit hard. If avoided, combined with a decent start, we could be in for a pretty decent season but you can never really tell what hazards will pop up. So let’s get behind Ian Holloway and the players, and give them our support. And please refrain from targeting certain players (i.e. Bruce, Wardley) just for the sake of having a boo-boy or two — let’s make Loftus Road a happy place to be once again.
Judging from the record number of season tickets sold, gates should hold up — so keep it positive. Of course there will be plenty of times when the team tests our patience, but just remember we’re at the start of what will hopefully be a successful transitional period in the clubs’ history — we both need each other to see us through.
Howard Prosser
