Sabtu, 09 Februari 2013

QPR's Fabio says split from twin brother Rafael has worked

Fabio: Believes his move to QPR has also helped twin Rafael

The Da Silva brothers joined Manchester United in 2008 but Fabio decided to move on last summer in search of regular football and joined QPR on a season-long loan deal.

Fabio reckons the change has helped both himself and Rafael, as they can now concentrate on their own games.

He explained in The Independent: "Now we have split, it's better. I tell you, when me and him play together we look at each other. When I make a mistake I'm not saying he feels - he doesn't lose confidence but he gets less [diminished] a little bit.

"Now [this season] when he plays and he has a good game and another good game he gets confidence. When I was there sometimes I was not playing or not playing well. Maybe he feels that I am down... because we lived together [in Manchester].

"Sometimes when he plays he is happy. Sometimes when I play I am happy. Now we are getting more mature. He is there. I am here."

Fabio added: "We discuss everything together. He knew I wanted to leave United to play more games. To play consistently. He agrees with me. He thinks it's good for me to leave United to play more football. I enjoy it.

"I know it hasn't been a good season for Queen's Park Rangers but I try to improve and to help."

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HR: Samba circled by 'big club'

Chris Samba: Attracting interest from a big club

The Premier League's bottom side pulled off something of a surprise on transfer deadline day, breaking the transfer record they set earlier in January to bring in the former Blackburn defender from Anzhi Makhachkala.

Samba has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with the west Londoners, who remain in serious danger of dropping in the second tier.

QPR are six points adrift of safety heading to Swansea tomorrow but Redknapp remains confident of staying up - and keeping Samba.

"When people say he is a risk and you're putting the club in a difficult position if it went down, you could sell Chris Samba for what you paid or more at the end of the season if you wanted to," Redknapp said. "Without a shadow of a doubt.

"I had a chairman ring me a week ago asking me about him and saying 'what would you do if you went down?'

"I said 'we ain't going to go down' but he said 'well, we want to sign him...if we'd have known he was available'. I am t alking about a big club.

"There will be big clubs wanting him. Big clubs, not a danger.

"I could see a club not too far away 18 months ago and I thought 'surely they've got to take Samba?' I was always after Samba at Tottenham. Always."

Jumat, 08 Februari 2013

Blackburn sign DJ Campbell from QPR on loan

DJ Campbell: Joining Blackburn on loan

The 31-year-old Campbell was due to sign for Rovers on the final day of the January transfer window, but the move was not completed in time.

However, the player has now switched to Ewood Park on a temporary deal, which officially starts on Saturday and runs until 12 May and includes a recall clause, which can be activated after 28 days.

Campbell could be in line to face Ipswich, with whom he enjoyed a loan spell earlier in the season, scoring 10 goals.

Town were reportedly keen to bring the former Birmingham, Leicester and Blackpool forward back to the club, with Hull also interested.

Experienced midfielder Williamson, 30, has signed a deal with Blackburn until the summer of 2014. He started his career with Mansfield Town, making over 150 appearances in five years with the Stags before signing for Northampton Town in September 2004.

A spell with Rotherham United soon followed, before he made the move to Premier League club Watford i n January 2007. Williamson would go onto play over 75 games during his two-and-a-half years with the Hornets.

Sheffield United secured the midfielder's services in the summer of 2009, where he would go on to score an impressive 19 goals in 89 appearances.

Last summer, manager Michael Appleton brought Williamson to Portsmouth on a short-term deal, before returning to secure his services here at Ewood Park.

Williams wary of QPR's new faces

Ashley Williams: Not sure what to expect from QPR

QPR manager Harry Redknapp made no secret of his desire to strengthen the Rs squad during the January transfer window and Tal Ben Haim, Loic Remy, Yun Suk-young, Christopher Samba, Andros Townsend and Jermaine Jenas all arrived at Loftus Road.

Remy is set to miss the Liberty Stadium meeting with a groin problem, but even without the France striker it will be a very different QPR side from that thumped 5-0 by the Swans on the opening day of the season.

And with Redknapp's men desperate to improve their perilous position six points adrift of safety at the foot of the table, Williams knows they will pose a test.

"With a new manager and a team made up of a lot of new players, you don't really know what's going to happen. That's a fact," said the Wales captain.

"We went out and won that game against them on the opening day and that gave us a lot of confidence.

"But that was such a strange day and a lot has happened since then.

"Ha ving said that, we feel like we can win most games these days, especially at home.

"We lost last Saturday at West Ham so we want to get back on track this week."

Swansea are sitting pretty in eighth place in the Premier League table, and have a first major final to look forward to later this month when they face Bradford in the Capital One Cup.

However, even though the Swans are closing in on the 40-point mark and have a Wembley showpiece to look forward to, Williams has vowed there can be no easing up.

He said: "We're in a cup final, we're doing really well and we didn't think that would happen back in August.

"That's football and it's credit to everyone who has worked hard this season.

"But we need results from these next two games against QPR and Liverpool, then we get confidence going into the cup final.

"We want to continue performing well to keep our good form going.

"It's not just about the cup final, we've got p oints to play for."

Redknapp won't take Remy risk

Loic Remy: Fitness fight

Having missed out on deadline-day moves for Peter Crouch and Peter Odemwingie, much of the west Londoners' survival hopes are pinned on the France international.

The R's missed the former Marseille forward's firepower last weekend as they were held to a goalless draw by Norwich at Loftus Road, leaving the bottom-placed side six points adrift of safety.

It emerged that Remy suffered a groin injury in the build-up to the Canaries' visit and, after reports he could miss two months, it came to light he only suffered a strain.

The 26-year-old could therefore return at Swansea, but Redknapp will not use him if there is the slightest chance of the injury worsening.

"I am not sure about Loic Remy," he said. "We'll have a look at him today. It is sort of touch and go.

"He did his groin as it was muddy out there. He went to play a ball and stretched and felt his groin tweak. We weren't sure how bad it was but it is not that bad.

"The d octor said all along he felt it was only a minor injury there so he has got a chance tomorrow, but if he is not sure he is okay I wouldn't take a chance.

"With injuries like that, you can go and lose somebody for five and six weeks if they tear it so unless he feels very confident about it I wouldn't risk him.

"I don't think I can afford to do that because he could put himself out for quite a while."

Remy's return would be a huge boost for a QPR side still ruing Adel Taarabt's failure from the penalty spot against Norwich.

The Moroccan was denied by a Mark Bunn save and admitted he has had some sleepless night since.

"I didn't sleep well either," Redknapp said. "It is funny that.

"Adel is fine. He will get over that. He cares and people that don't know Adel think he is a bit scatty or whatever, but he is very serious about everything.

"It bothers him obviously and he cares. He felt that he let people down, which he didn't. He took a penalty and everybody misses penalties at some time.

"At least he has got the nerve to step up and take it so there are no problems."

The draw, though, was clearly a missed opportunity for a QPR side rooted to the bottom of the table.

"If you look at it, we're unbeaten in five," Redknapp said. "That has got to be positive, against very difficult teams.

"If you look at them, Norwich maybe is the one you had a good chance to win at home.

"The other games away to Chelsea, home to Man City, away to West Ham, home to Tottenham - very, very, very difficult games.

"They were games, in all honesty, if you looked at them you'd think if you get four or five points out of them you've done well.

"We did better than that. We took seven points so we're in good form."

QPR will have to put in another good display at the Liberty Stadium tomorrow if they are to extend that run against Swansea.

"They have done fantastically, " Redknapp said of the Capital One Cup finalists.

"They play great football - they were excellent last year and have been playing like that for a few years.

"This year they have been absolutely top class again. I think they've even take it onto another level."

Swansea v QPR preview

Michel Vorm: Has shaken off a knee complaint

The Dutchman has been struggling with a knee problem but looks set to return to the starting line-up, but midfielder Leon Britton is doubtful with the knee injury he sustained in last weekend's defeat at West Ham.

Kemy Agustien is back in training after an ankle problem but this game is likely to come a too soon for the midfielder, while Neil Taylor (broken leg) remains sidelined.

QPR striker Loic Remy is touch and go for the trip to South Wales.

The France international suffered a groin strain prior to last weekend's draw with Norwich but has recovered well and could be involved.

Junior Hoilett is out with a hamstring complaint, while Samba Diakite is still away with the Mali national team at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Adel Taarabt hopeful over QPR's Premier League survival chances

Harry Redknapp's side are rooted to the bottom of the table and know they will have to pull off a great escape if they want to retain their top-flight status, with six points currently between them and safety.

But the Hoops are unbeaten in five Premier League encounters and 23-year-old Morocco international Taarabt is still hopeful they can beat the drop.

"We have 13 games left and six points (between us and safety) and you never know, so I hope we can do it. We still believe," he told Sky Sports.

"This has happened, I don't know how to explain that. But everybody is trying to work hard and since the new manager has arrived we are doing better."

Taarabt, who missed a penalty last weekend as QPR's home clash against Norwich ended in a goalless draw, believes his side are in need of some good fortune.

"I think we needed a bit of luck because I think we play very good," he added. "Against Norwich I think we had a big chance to win the gam e.

"If I hadn't have missed the penalty we had a big chance to get close to the other teams. But I missed it and we focus on the next game."

Expectation

QPR brought in 11 new faces in last summer's transfer window and Taarabt believes that increased the expectation on them to do well this season.

"I think the expectation on QPR from people was big at the beginning of the season," he said.

"Everybody maybe saw us doing very well this season, because we bought 11 or 12 players, and it's been difficult."

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Prem clubs agree new controls

The 20 club chairmen voted by 13 to six - with one abstention - to implement two significant controls - to limit players' wage bills from next season, and longer-term measures that will restrict the amount of losses clubs can make to 105million over three years.

Clubs whose total wage bill is more than 52million will only be allowed to increase their wages by 4million per season for the next three years, though that cap does not cover extra money coming in from increases in commercial or matchday income.

The effect of the financial controls should prevent hugely wealthy owners achieving the almost-overnight success of Chelsea and Manchester City.

Any club breaching the rules will face tough sanctions - and Premier League chief executive Scudamore said they would be pushing for points deductions.

Scudamore told reporters: "As all things in our rulebook you will subject to a disciplinary commission.

"The clubs understand that if people b reak the 105m we will looking for the top-end ultimate sanction range - points deduction.

"Normally we stay silent on sanctions as the commission has a free range, but clearly if there is a material breach of that rule we will be asking the commission to consider top-end sanctions."

It emerged tonight, however, that the vote for the financial regulations could hardly have been closer - only 13 of the 20 clubs voted in favour, six against with Reading abstaining. It meant that the 'yes' vote only narrowly achieved the necessary two-thirds majority of the 19 votes cast.

Clubs sources say Fulham, West Brom, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Swansea and Southampton all voted against. Chelsea, who had initially been viewed as opponents of financial fair play regulations, voted in favour.

Of the 20 clubs in the top flight, only Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have reported losses of more than 105million over the last three years, according to the mos t up-to-date published accounts.

Scudamore said there would be an "absolute prohibition" on clubs reporting losses of more than 105million over the next three years with the first sanctions possible in 2016. He said that the measures would mean it will take longer for benefactor owners to achieve success - but that it would still be possible.

He said: "The balance we have tried to strike is that a new owner can still invest a decent amount of money to improve their club but they are not going to be throwing hundreds and hundreds of millions in a very short period of time.

"While it has worked for a couple of clubs in the last 10 years, and I am not critical of that, if that's going to be done in the future it's going to have to be over a slightly longer term without the huge losses being made.

"I think at 105million you can still build a very decent club with substantial owner funding but you have to do it over time, you can't do it in a season."< /p>

Chelsea won the Premier League two years after Roman Abramovich's takeover, and Manchester City's title success came three years after Sheikh Mansour's takeover.

Any club making any loss of over 5million a year will have to guarantee those losses against the owner's assets.

"In some ways that's the most significant part, this is a three-year rolling system of secure funding - it's one year at the moment," Scudamore added.

The ceiling when the wage increase restrictions kick in will be 52million next season, 56million the following year and 60million i 2015/16. Only seven of the current top-flight clubs would be under that ceiling at the moment.

The Premier League's legal advisers will now work on the detailed proposals and these will be brought back before the chairmen in April to be ratified.

In a statement, Chelsea said they are supportive of moves that promote financial stability.

The statement said: "Premier League clubs t oday reached an agreement to introduce financial stability rules and wage controls for the league. Chelsea Football Club is supportive of moves that promote financial stability in football. We are already subject to UEFA's financial fair play principles and will comply with those.

"The new rules will be subject to further detailed discussions before they are brought in and we will play our part in those to ensure implementation is fair for all clubs in the league."

West Ham's co-owner David Gold said the proposals would prevent Portsmouth's descent in administration happening again.

He said: "It's not a salary cap - it's a restraint on over-spending. If clubs increase their revenues then they can increase their spending.

"We have got restraint - that's the important thing. What's driving the whole thing is we've got to avoid another Portsmouth."

Kamis, 07 Februari 2013

Loic Remy could feature against Swansea, says QPR boss Harry Redknapp

Loic Remy: Could return for QPR at Swansea on Saturday

There had been reports that the Frenchman faced up to two months on the sidelines after hurting his groin last Friday.

However, Rs boss Redknapp has rubbished those claims and says Remy will return at the Liberty Stadium providing he is satisfied the injury will not be aggravated.

"He's close to being fit for Saturday," Redknapp said. "He trained this morning, he's very close.

"But I don't want to rush him in case he breaks down."

Remy joined Rangers from Marseille last month in an 8million deal and scored on his debut against West Ham.

Meanwhile, QPR chief executive Phil Beard admitted that relegation from the Premier League could hinder the club's hopes of building a new stadium.

"Premier League stability is important," said Beard. "We share a training ground that isn't right. We will build a new one.

"A new stadium is a long term goal. We have great fans but we need to grow that fan base to fill it.

"It is go ing to be a minimum of four of five years before we have a new stadium."

Redknapp added: "You only fill stadiums if you are in the Premier League."

Premier League clubs to compromise

The terms of the deal will allow owners to cover up to 105million losses over three years.

The Premier League system would be less hard-hitting than UEFA's, which comes into force next season and limits owners to covering 39million losses over a three-year period.

A cap on wage increases is also expected to get the go-ahead at the meeting of the 20 clubs.

Significantly, Chelsea are set to back both a compromise FFP system and a salary cap - the Roman Abramovich-owned club had been viewed in some quarters as opposed to any spending controls.

Insiders at Stamford Bridge insist they have never been opposed to a compromise agreement, and that position should now ensure that both spending control systems are agreed.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool have been pushing for an FFP system where wealthy owners are not be allowed to underwrite any losses, but that stance looks set to be defeated.

The wage increase cap may also be watered down however - initially Sunderland owner Ellis Short had suggested a maximum 10% increase allowed for player wages. It now looks likely that the cap will only affect those clubs whose total bill is higher than 52million so promoted sides are not prevented from improving their squads.

Furthermore, spending money earned from clubs' individual commercial deals on wages will not be restricted. That can be significant - in Manchester United's case commercial income totalled 117.6million last year and their wage bill 160million.

But some form of wage increase cap will satisfy club owners who are fearful of the bulk of the income from next season's bumper new television rights deals - expected to be worth 25million-30million per club - going straight into the pockets of the players and agents.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool - styled as the 'gang of four' after they sent a joint letter to the last shareholders meeting calli ng for owners not be allowed to cover any losses at all - argue that tough FFP measures will maintain the Premier League's competitiveness and its attraction to a global TV audience, rather than risk a situation developing such as in Spain where only two clubs dominate the football landscape.

Other clubs believe the four are acting out of self-interest and want to maintain a status quo where smaller clubs can never break into the top ranks, even with a benefactor owner.

Rabu, 06 Februari 2013

QPR midfielder Jermaine Jenas working hard to reach full fitness

Jermaine Jenas: Working hard for fitness

The 29-year-old penned an 18-month deal with the Premier League's bottom side on transfer deadline day, leaving Tottenham to join up with former manager Harry Redknapp.

Jenas made his QPR debut less than 48 hours later, coming off the bench in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Norwich - his first competitive appearance in more than two months.

The former England international is now eyeing a starting berth but appreciates extra work is needed to get into shape.

"I was delighted to get out there for half an hour," Jenas told the club's official website.

"I felt composed and felt I kept the ball well. Now I will build from there.

"It was my first game since November, so it's been a while. But I'll be doing extra work in training throughout this week and trying to get myself to that level where the manager feels I am in a position to start.

"I know what my body needs, and if it needs more to get my fitness levels up, then I'll do more."< /p>

Selasa, 05 Februari 2013

Hoops owners 'in for long haul'

Tony Fernandes: Committed to club, says Beard

There has been speculation of late that chairman Tony Fernandes was looking to step aside with Rangers bottom of the Premier League table despite hefty investment.

Fernandes himself said he would never outstay his welcome but has been given support by the majority of R's fans and Beard is convinced all of the owners will remain in place, no matter what the immediate future holds.

"Tony Fernandes has never said he will leave the club if we're relegated," he told the club's official website.

"We have got wonderful owners. Tony has been at the forefront of it, but we have got three other fantastic owners in Din (Kamarudin Bin Meranun), Ruben (Emir Gnanalingam) and Amit Bhatia.

"We are in it for the long term. We have got short, medium and long-term ambitions.

"This is a tough, tough season for us but whatever happens we are focused on what we have to do over the long term."

QPR also received widespread criticism for their spendi ng during the January transfer window as the owners looked to back manager Harry Redknapp's attempts to keep the club in the top flight.

Christopher Samba was brought in from Anzhi Makhachkala with Loic Remy also joining from Marseille.

Beard has refuted claims that the deals broke the bank and put the long-term financial future of the club at stake.

"I can reassure QPR fans that we have owners who are very successful businessmen and very sensible in business," he said.

"Recent reports regarding what money our players are on are completely wide of the mark. Chris Samba was keen to come back to England, this is where his family are.

"He is not on anything like has been suggested. Even if we win trophies, with all sorts of different bonuses, he would not get anywhere close to the money that has been reported."

Redknapp has led Rangers to victory over local rivals Chelsea and taken points against Tottenham and Manchester City.

De spite the recent positive results QPR remain six points from safety and will be hoping the likes of Samba and Remy can guide them to salvation.

Transfer News: Chris Samba passes medical at Queens Park Rangers

Chris Samba: Ready to return to the Premier League

Samba's current employers Anzhi Makhachkala revealed on Wednesday that the defender was heading to England for transfer talks.

The former Blackburn centre-half is eager to return to the Premier League from Russia and has jumped at the chance to join Harry Redknapp's QPR revolution.

It is believed that a deal is in place, with the relevant paperwork now being processed.

It is also understood that Redknapp is ready to raid his former employers Tottenham for David Bentley, Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend.

All three players are out of favour at White Hart Lane, with Bentley and Jenas having taken in spells out on loan this season.

Redknapp hopes Spurs can be persuaded to part with the trio, as he attempts to piece together a squad which is capable of clawing its way to Premier League safety.

Senin, 04 Februari 2013

Alejandro Faurlin leaves Loftus Road for Serie A as Palermo complete loan deal

Alejandro Faurlin: Limited first-team chances this season

The Argentinian midfielder will spend the rest of the season with the Serie A club after starting just 10 Premier League games this term.

Faurlin is the latest in a line of players to leave Loftus Road this month as Harry Redknapp overhauls his squad ahead of a relegation battle.

Djibril Cisse and Anton Ferdinand are already out on loan, while Ryan Nelsen has left for the MLS and Keiron Dyer has been released.

Queens Park Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes say Junior Hoilett is not leaving

Junior Hoilett: Not allowed to leave Queens Park Rangers

Hoilett was being talked as a possible loan option for both Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion, whilst Sunderland were also credited with an interest.

However, the Canadian-born winger is not going to be leaving Loftus Road - despite the links - according to chairman Tony Fernandes.

"Junior Hoillet [sic] not going anywhere," Fernades Tweeted.

"He's is a key player for the future. Needs a good run in the team."

Jermaine Jenas makes move from Tottenham to Queens Park Rangers

Jermaine Jenas: Has rejoined Harry Redknapp at QPR

It is Redknapp's second signing of deadline day after completing the record signing of Chris Samba earlier in the day

Jenas joined Tottenham from Newcastle in 2005 for a fee of 7million and went on to make over 200 appearances for the North London club before falling out of favour.

A season long loan at Aston Villa during 2011/12 was cut short by a serious Achilles injury that kept him out for six months but despite a change of managers at White Hart Lane he could still only manage one appearance under Andre Villas Boas.

The 29-year old was sent out on loan to his first club Nottingham Forest in September and made six appearances.

He will now be hoping to revive his career with a move across London to help QPR's fight for survival.

And he admitted linking up with Harry Redknapp was a big persuasive factor in his move to West London.

He said: "Obviously the fact that Harry was here made a big difference. He knows me we ll as a player.

"There's a big challenge ahead and I want to be a part of it. There's no time to waste, we need to hit the ground running and get the wins, starting on Saturday."

Tony Fernandes defends QPR's spending during the January transfer window

Tony Fernandes: Defends the club's transfer window spending

The Hoops brought in Tottenham's Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend, South Korean Yun Suk-Young, as well as Christopher Samba from Anzhi Makhachkala, in what was a frantic finish to the club's winter dealings last week.

Along with the earlier signing of Loic Remy from Marseille, Fernandes broke QPR's transfer record twice during the window and has come under scrutiny for his reckless spending.

The Malaysian entrepreneur is confident the league strugglers will not face a financial meltdown as a result. Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: "If you analyse it we haven't spent that much money on transfers and as for our wage bill, when I look at other clubs when they put their results out then ours is not too bad and there is now value in the squad.

"I don't think there is any recklessness there.

"No one can guarantee anything in football, but you try to minimise the risk as much as possible and that's where the expertise of the management com es in and they say 'this is what we need to survive' and you look at it and if it makes sense then the board and myself support it.

"Anyone who says we are gambling then - of course we are.

"There are no debts like at other clubs. We've put in a lot of money and it's no different from setting up a car business or an airline.

"But it takes time. QPR were an underinvested club. Simple as that. I'm not in it for one year, I'm investing for the future. I'm investing to build a stadium, to build a training academy, to build a proper business.

"Of course when you buy a small club you are going to incur some losses at the beginning.

"We, QPR, have to move out of the small club syndrome and for constant security have to build a bigger stadium, a better infrastructure. So far it hasn't worked but we won't be the first club for whom everything hasn't gone exactly to plan."

The Hoops currently lie bottom of the Premier League with their 20.5m s pending over January an attempt to avoid relegation.

Looking ahead, Fernandes added: "We inherited a squad where every single player who has left is no longer playing in the Premier League, doesn't that say something? We have replaced and replenished the squad at a very low cost because most of them were free transfers. This is the first window that we have spent big money.

"It's not always about money. QPR are the bottom club and you don't come to the bottom club for the dollar sign. And I'm not going to get players for the dollar signs."

Minggu, 03 Februari 2013

Harry: Rangers have got value

Samba: Clean sheet on debut

Redknapp's side had to be content with just a point against Norwich in a goalless draw at Loftus Road.

Despite extending their unbeaten Premier League run to five matches, the Hoops are six points of safety as a missed second-half penalty by Adel Taarabt proved costly.

Redknapp handed debuts to 12.5million centre-half Christopher Samba and on-loan Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend, while Jermaine Jenas came off the bench.

With 8million striker Loic Remy set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury in training on Friday, such a hefty outlay during the January transfer window could prove money laid without reward should QPR fail to climb out of the bottom three.

Redknapp, however, insists no matter what happens over the next four months, all players brought in were sound investments.

"Everyone is going on about Samba. You will sell Samba at the end of the season if you want to sell him because Samba should be pla ying for a top-four team," Redknapp said.

"He is a monster of a player, as quick as lightning, fantastic in the air, can play. He has got the lot and is the full ticket.

"At the end of the season, if it doesn't go well, they will go and get 12million for Samba, not a danger.

"There will be managers out there who will be thinking 'I thought he was gone, but now he is back in England'.

"There will be takers for Samba all day. So they have not done their money on Samba.

"Remy for 8million, if he can come and score a few goals, he will be 12million. We (Tottenham) tried to buy him for 18million last year.

"The two kids from Tottenham. One was three grand (a week) and the one doesn't come to a lot of money.

"I have not brought players in here who were s***, that we can't give them away. They are good players.

"The club's invested, but they will get their money back on those players."

Redknapp maintains there is not mu ch more he can do as the former Tottenham boss looks to plot a safe passage towards Premier League survival and next season's bumper 75million TV deal.

"I am getting everything I can out of the players who are here. I can't do anything more than that," he said.

"You look at the games we have had since the turn of the year and you would have taken the points we have got.

"However, against Norwich was the game when we thought we really had to try to get three and if we had scored penalty, then we win the game."

QPR travel to Swansea next weekend, and then host leaders Manchester United before a date with fellow strugglers Southampton at Loftus Road at the start of March, a month they also tackle Aston Villa.

Captain Clint Hill has called on the team to rise to the challenges ahead.

"The next period is key. The end of February and March is a massive time for this club," he said.

"We are playing teams in and around us and those re sults will determine where we are next season."

Hill added: "Obviously with January (spending) as well, everyone has put the spotlight on us. We have to ignore it.

"We need to concentrate on our results as if we look at other teams we will be bogged down by it.

"We need to keep the unbeaten run going, but need more wins than draws."

Fernandes: I won't walk away

Tony Fernandes: QPR vow

The R's are bottom of the Barclays Premier League and on January 27, the day after they were eliminated from the FA Cup following a 4-2 home defeat to MK Dons, Fernandes wrote on his Twitter account: "I take all responsibility and will face the music... If can't fix it I will be first to go."

Asked about that this morning on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme, Fernandes said: "I think people misunderstood what I said - 'walk away as chairman'.

"Lots of people are getting blamed at QPR - the players, the former manager, the CEO.

"The buck stops with me, and I said that no-one else should be blamed other than me, Tony Fernandes, as chairman.

"If it goes wrong and people think that I'm the wrong chairman, then I'll step down, but my investment will stay and I will continue to be a board member and support the club, because I have a lot of ambitions for the club.

"I just wanted to put on record that no-one else would take respon sibility but the leader, and the leader of the club is me."

Pressed as to whether he was planning to step down, Fernandes said: "At the moment, no."

He took control of QPR in August 2011 following the club's promotion to the top flight and has presided over three managers during his time at the helm.

"I have had a very positive response from many of the fans and management at the club, so I will continue," Fernandes said.

"We will take one step at a time. Right now, the battle is on."

QPR are six points adrift of safety in the Premier League with 13 games left to play this season.

In an effort to bolster their survival bid, Fernandes provided the funds for current boss Harry Redknapp to make high-profile signings in the January transfer window, such as striker Loic Remy and defender Christopher Samba.

And Fernandes has rubbished reports that have suggested the latter, a deadline day arrival from Anzhi Makhachkala, is on a sala ry of 100,000 a week.

Asked how much Samba was earning, the Malaysian entrepreneur said: "It is not right for me to say, but it is nothing like 100,000 - it is more around the 65,000 mark. You would be close (with that)."

Fernandes, who insists QPR conducted themselves correctly in their failed attempt to sign West Brom frontman Peter Odemwingie, added: "If we go down, we are prepared for it and we know what we have to do to come back up.

"Everything that has been done has been thought of in a long-term way.

"We think we can get out of this mess. We have a good manager, we are undefeated so far this year (QPR have won one and drawn four of their five league games so far in 2013) and two or three wins could change our position quite dramatically - it is very tight down there."

Redknapp bemoans Norwich draw

Harry Redknapp: Knows his side must take their chances

Despite extending their unbeaten run to five matches, the Hoops are six points of safety.

Redknapp knows his side - which included 12.5million deadline day signing Christopher Samba and on-loan Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend - failed to make the most of a golden opportunity to close up on the sides above them when Adel Taarabt saw his second-half penalty saved by Mark Bunn.

"We have not lost a game since the turn of the year, which is not bad if you look at the matches we had, because they were not easy," the QPR boss said.

"If you get something at Chelsea, you think it was a miracle, then you come up against Tottenham at home, away to West Ham, here against Manchester City, they are all tough.

"However, Norwich at home was one I looked at and thought 'we have to go for it and get a win'.

"But I couldn't have asked for any more, we just needed a break.

"If we had converted the penalty, we would have won."

Redknap p hailed Samba as a "colossus", the centre-half having played when "only 40% fit" following his move from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, where he had not played since November because of their winter break.

The QPR manager was also more than happy with the contributions of Townsend, who forced another good stop from Bunn with a late 25-yard strike, while Jermaine Jenas - who also played for him at Tottenham - produced a solid display after coming on as a substitute.

"It has been no problem - Samba played like he had been here all of his life, so did Townsend," Redknapp said.

"We have only had the two new boys in really, and they were arguably the best two players on the pitch."

Striker Loic Remy is set for a spell out with a groin injury picked up in training on Friday, the extent of which should be known by the start of next week.

With Bobby Zamora struggling for full match fitness after a hip problem, Redknapp accepts his attacking optio ns are limited.

"When Bobby came on, he pinned Norwich back, we dropped balls into him, he could flick things on and play people in," the QPR boss said.

"He is just not capable of doing it for more than 35 minutes at the moment."

Norwich, meanwhile, maintained their seven-point gap over the relegation zone with a well organised display.

Boss Chris Hughton reserved special praise for Bunn, in goal because John Ruddy is sidelined after needing surgery on a thigh injury.

Hughton said: "Unfortunately for Mark, he has been here in a period where form has dipped a bit and in particular we have had a couple of big defeats, conceding four at home to Manchester City and five at Liverpool.

"Overall, though, Mark's game has been good and we certainly needed him to be here."

"The last two results have consolidated things a bit for us. Now, for us it is about pushing on again, because there is that difference between picking up draws and g etting those valuable wins which would take us that bit further away.

"At the moment we are not doing too much wrong, but just need that little more offensively to be able to get the goals we need."

Harry stands up for Odemwingie

Peter Odemwingie: Support from Redknapp

The 31-year-old striker had been a target of QPR throughout January and had repeatedly voiced his displeasure at not being allowed to leave.

When he drove to London and addressed a media scrum talking about a move to Rangers, it appeared a deal was on the table.

But Albion quickly released a statement saying Odemwingie was there without permission and QPR said they had stopped him from getting into their Loftus Road ground.

His actions were condemned by West Brom and he has been criticised in various parts of the media.

But writing in The Sun Redknapp stuck up for the striker, saying: "There have been countless players guilty of doing things a million times worse than Peter Odemwingie.

"But from the stick he's got over the past 48 hours, you would never believe it.

"And I really, genuinely hope that all those people having a pop at him now give the lad a break because, if he's guilty of anything, it's being too honest."

< p>Redknapp, who suggested a proposed loan deal of a player from QPR to West Brom was the reason for the move breaking down, explained the day's events from his perspective.

"It looked as though the deal was going to happen," he said. "We had got a price off West Brom, the kid himself thought it was all on and obviously so did his advisors. So it wasn't out of order for him to jump in his car and head to London.

"Peter just wanted to make sure he was in the London area so the deal could go through before that deadline.

"It would have looked even worse if it had fallen through because he hadn't got here in time."

He added: "The one thing I think Peter did wrong in all this was to actually drive to the ground. If he'd parked down the road, no one would have been any the wiser and - as disappointing as it would still have been for all sides - no harm done."

HR: We're not only big spenders

Harry Redknapp: Lashes out at fellow strugglers

Given the plight of Leeds and Portsmouth in previous years, more attention than ever is being paid to the way clubs, particularly in the Premier League, are being run.

QPR have come under the microscope after a January spending spree that saw them twice break their transfer record, first by bringing in Marseille forward Loic Remy and then Anzhi's Christopher Samba.

With the club's Loftus Road home only holding 18,500 and relegation to the Championship a distinct possibility, there have been those questioning whether QPR could end up in financial trouble.

Redknapp, though, believes the club are being unfairly focused upon.

"Other clubs spend money down there," the QPR boss said. "Aston Villa have spent big money as well. People think 'They've only bought kids' - well go back to Darren Bent.

"You can go through a list of players there and they've spent good money, the Richard Dunnes and all these people.

"Southampton paid 12mil lion for a striker (Gaston Ramirez) and 6million for the lad at Burnley (Jay Rodriguez) - that's 18million for two players.

"It is suddenly like QPR are the only ones spending money. I think QPR only spent 12million in the summer, which in today's market is not astronomical.

"It seems we seem to be labelled as the only team that are spending big money. Samba was a big signing, but I don't know how much he earns."

Redknapp insisted the QPR board are "wealthy people" and "not exactly paupers" when questioned on the sustainability of comparatively large amounts of money being spent on wages and fees.

"That's up to the chairman and board members," he said. "I don't know if they can sustain it.

"That was their decision, the chairman and the shareholders, to spend that money on Samba. It isn't me saying 'Go and buy Chris Samba'.

"I don't think he has come here for anywhere near 100,000 a week but, whatever he is earning, that's their decis ion to spend that money.

"He came to me and said I had Chris Samba. What can you do?"

Sabtu, 02 Februari 2013

Mark Bunn's penalty save earned Norwich a goalless draw with Queens Park Rangers

Jamie Mackie won QPR's penalty which was missed by Adel Taarabt

Bunn was the hero for Norwich when he kept out Adel Taarabt's second-half spot-kick to earn Norwich a hard-fought point.

The draw leaves QPR rooted to the bottom of the table and stretched Norwich's winless run to eight games.

Norwich created the first opening of the game on four minutes when Robert Snodgrass beat Armand Traore down the right and picked out Wes Hoolahan inside the six-yard box, but the midfielder could only poke his shot over the crossbar.

Adel Taarabt looked the man most likely for QPR and the Moroccan went close on 10 minutes when he beat a couple of Norwich challenges on the edge of the box before fizzing his shot just wide of the target.

Shaun Wright-Phillips had QPR's final chance of a disappointing opening half when he got on the end of Taarabt's superb pass, but the winger sliced his effort well wide.

The game burst into life in the second half with Julio Cesar producing a superb save to keep out Hool ahan's close-range effort after Snodgrass picked him out unmarked inside the six-yard box.

QPR were handed a great chance to break the deadlock on 56 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Bunn was adjudged to have brought down Mackie inside the box. Taarabt took responsibility from the spot, but Bunn, who was booked for the foul on Mackie, produced a superb save low down to his left to keep out his effort.

Taarabt was keen to make up his penalty miss and he fired a free-kick just over the crossbar before drilling in a swerving shot which Bunn did well to keep out.

QPR were piling on the pressure in search of a goal and Samba went close on 68 minutes when his header was cleared off the line by Grant Holt.

Snograss went close for Norwich on 79 minutes with a stinging 30-yard effort which Cesar was forced to turn round the post.

QPR poured forward in the closing stages in search of a breakthrough and Andros Townsend was denied by Bunn three minutes from time with the Norwich goalkeeper producing a superb save to keep out the winger's fierce effort from 25 yards.

Andros Townsend and Christopher Samba confident of survival

Andros Townsend: We will survive

Both men made their debuts in the 0-0 draw with Norwich on Saturday and despite largely dominating the game, Rangers could find no way through, with Adel Taraabt seeing a penalty saved by Mark Bunn.

Townsend, on loan from Tottenham, made his debut in the heart of the Rs' midfield and turned in a man-of-the-match performance.

"I think we did enough to win the game, created the better chances, but you could see out there how well we played and we'll take that into the next few games," Townsend told Sky Sports 2.

"We've got massive quality. I think the signs are positive for the rest of the season."

Samba arrived in a club-record deal from Anzhi Makhachkala and went straight into the team, despite not having played since November because of the Russian winter break.

The former Blackburn man admitted it was a shock to the system to return to the pace of the English game, and was frustrated not to pick up three points.

"It 's very much more an intensive style of play than it was in Russia," said Samba. "I'm obviously satisfied with the clean sheet, but very, very disappointed with the draw.

"For us there was nothing for it but a win to be back with the pack. We're really disappointed.

"We played very well, so we hope that will be enough to remain in the league. I think we'd done enough to win the game and we've been unfortunate with the penalty."

Harry Redknapp praises Chris Samba and Andros Townsend after QPR draw

Harry Redknapp remains positive despite dropping two points at home

The west London club remain bottom of the Premier League table following their goalless draw at Loftus Road where Christopher Samba and Andros Townsend made their Rangers' debuts.

And Redknapp said: "Chris Samba was fantastic today. He's not played since November.

"We asked him how he was and he said he was about 40 per cent fit. If that's 40 per cent, I don't know what he'll be like when he's 100 per cent. He was outstanding.

"And Andros had an outstanding game too. People keep talking about big money - I think he's on about three thousand a week.

"I think we'll get good value out of him. Absolutely brilliant today. He never stopped working. He's a young player with a big future."

As for his team's overall performance, he added: "I couldn't have asked for more. We just needed a break.

"They gave everything. We just need to turn draws into wins and you don't get a better opportunity than we had today.

"We're un beaten since the turn of the year so we've just got to keep going."

As for Adel Taarabt's penalty miss, he went on: "That's how it goes. Adel was outstanding again. It's just one of those things. If we score, then we win the game, there's no doubt."

Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend joins QPR on loan for rest of season

Andros Townsend: Reunited with Harry Redknapp

Shortly after raiding his former club for Jermaine Jenas, QPR boss Harry Redknapp has also lured England U21 international Townsend for the remainder of the season.

The 21-year-old has found first-team football hard to come by under Andre Villas-Boas, and has made only 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

"Andros is a kid with a fantastic future," said Redknapp. "I like Andros an awful lot. He's a winger, he's strong, he's quick, he's brave and he scores goals.

"He's unlucky that he's got Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon keeping him out of the team. I think eventually he'll become a big player."

Townsend added: "I worked with Harry at Spurs - he gave me my debut - so it was a no-brainer when QPR came in for me.

"Harry has brought me in to do a job for him. I'm confident in my own ability and I want to repay him.

"I live for pressure games. I'm looking forward to the challenge. I've learnt a lot through my loan spells i n the past and now I'm at a massive club like QPR and I'm confident I'll do well.

"I'm relieved the deal is over the line. It's all happened quite quickly, so I'm just excited about the weeks and months ahead."

Transfer News: Peter Odemwingie situation disappoints Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp: Left disappointed

The January transfer closed with a frantic 24 hours for Redknapp, who brought in former Blackburn defender Samba - alongside Tottenham duo Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend - but was unable to seal a deal for Odemwingie.

The West Brom striker was pictured outside Loftus Road on Thursday evening, despite his club revealing they had not given him permission to speak to QPR.

"We made some fantastic signings yesterday," said Redknapp. "I was just disappointed the way the Peter Odemwingie situation went.

"I was disappointed for the boy. The whole thing was a bit of a mess and I felt genuinely sorry for him, it was just a mistake.

"He's got to go back to West Brom and get on with his life now. I don't think it was malicious, I think he felt the deal was going to happen.

"I think he thought it was done but it wasn't done. A mistake has been made and hopefully he can move on from that."

Redknapp was pleased to sign Samba, wh o he feels will prove a good replacement for Ryan Nelsen, who left Rangers to become manager of Toronto in Major League Soccer.

"We lost Ryan Nelsen this week so we had to get a replacement," he said. "The chairman did a fantastic job to get Chris Samba.

"It was a complete surprise to me. He's a player I've admired for a long time.

"Samba is a great centre-half, he's got everything. He's a leader. To bring Chris Samba here is fantastic for us. I'm delighted with the players I've managed to bring in."

You can only watch the best Barclays Premier League coverage here on Sky Sports. Watch QPR v Norwich exclusively live on Sky Sports 2HD and Sky Go from 12:00pm on Saturday 2nd February. Click here for more details

Jumat, 01 Februari 2013

Steve Bruce has hit out at DJ Campbell following Hull City's failure to land the striker

DJ Campbell: Left talks with Hull City to speak with Blackburn

The Tigers had been hoping to wrap up a deadline day deal for a striker out of favour at Queens Park Rangers.

They were, however, left bemused as Campbell left the negotiating table and ended up speaking with their Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.

Bruce said: "The way they handled the situation, saying they were going for lunch and then going to Blackburn, was shocking.

"I've never felt so disappointed."

He added: "We were left trying to find out where they were for the best part of two hours.

"I've got absolutely no problem with him going to Blackburn if they'd just phoned and said 'thanks for your offer but we've had a wonderful offer from Blackburn'.

"The lack of respect by him and his representatives left a bad taste in the mouth."

Campbell, who worked with Bruce during his time at Birmingham, has hit back, though, and blamed Hull for their failure to push a deal through.

He posted on his Twitter accoun t: "I drove 4hours to hull 4 discussions & gave them 5/6hours 2 sort the deal & they didn't, instead they wasted mine & my families time...

"After 5/6hours we went & had lunch 2 discuss the situation where then we decided 2 go bk home due 2 the lack of respect shown by hull end of."

QPR boss Harry Redknapp has revealed two of his players are likely to be out for the season

Andrew Johnson: Out for the remainder of the campaign

Striker Andrew Johnson and defender Luke Young bot have long-term injuries and have been left out of the 25-man squad.

Redknapp clarified the situation at his press conference ahead of Saturday's early kick-off against Norwich.

The Rangers boss said he "expects Andrew Johnson to be sidelined for the remainder of the season."

And Redknapp added: "Luke Young is still injured and won't return any time soon - hence not in 25 man squad."

Give Odemwingie a break - HR

Harry Redknapp: Sympathy for Odemwingie

Despite a number of high-profile transfers on Thursday, it was the 31-year-old's failed move to west London that grabbed many of the headlines.

Odemwingie has made no secret in recent weeks of his desire to leave West Brom and it appeared he would get his wish when he arrived at Loftus Road yesterday, telling a media scrum a move was on the cards.

However, Albion quickly released a statement saying the Nigerian was there without permission and a deal never materialised.

QPR boss Redknapp did manage to bring in Christopher Samba, Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend yesterday, but it was the one that got away that is still on his mind.

"This deal had been dragging on for about three weeks," Redknapp said. "Peter Odemwingie was a player we had been trying to sign for several weeks.

"He felt a deal was done but it wasn't done between the two clubs. There were obviously one or two sticking points.

"He travelled down and just wanted to be on the premises to get the deal done. Unfortunately, he pulled up outside the ground and the cameras were there.

"He wasn't the only player that turned up and didn't get a deal done. There were other players at football grounds yesterday and the deals didn't go through at the last minute, for whatever reasons.

"I just hope the boy is going to be okay because he is a good person and it was a mistake that has been made. Hopefully he can move on from that."

That looks unlikely at The Hawthorns after Albion chairman Jeremy Peace accused Odemwingie of acting "wholly unprofessionally".

The player is not being considered for Sunday's home match against Tottenham but Redknapp said: "Let's hope people give him an opportunity now just to move on and get on with his life," Redknapp added.

"Show me someone that hasn't made a mistake in their life and I will show you a liar.

"Everybody makes mistakes - much bigger mistakes than he's made. There are people playing football that have made massive mistakes in their lives and they're back playing football.

"The kid has made a mistake. Let's forget that now and move on and give the boy a chance. He is a good player and a good person."

Redknapp is also keen to move on from the failed deal as he looks to guide QPR out of trouble.

The Rs are bottom of the Premier League and four points adrift of safety heading into tomorrow's early kick-off against Norwich.

"The most important thing is the game," Redknapp said. "It is a big game for us tomorrow.

"We have been in good form, got a great 0-0 draw in midweek against Man City, so our league form has been good.

"We won away to Chelsea, drew with Tottenham, drew with West Ham and got a great point against Man City. It is a big game again tomorrow.

"Norwich have done well. Chrissy (Chris Hughton) has done a fantastic job with them and they had a good performance the other nigh t against Tottenham.

"It will be a tough game but we are at home and we have to be ready for it tomorrow."

Odemwingie defends his conduct

Peter Odemwingie: Says he was given go-ahead to talk to QPR

West Brom have accused the 31-year-old striker of acting in a "wholly unprofessional" manner by driving to talk terms with Rangers despite no deal having being agreed between the clubs.

But the Nigerian international claims that he had an understanding with Baggies technical director Dan Ashworth that he could drive to London with a view to the clubs reaching an agreement.

"They didn't give me written permission but when you are gentlemen you understand each other easily," said Odemwingie.

"I had to be in training that morning but when that was done I asked if I could go as I had to pack and start driving. I got the go-ahead from him (Ashworth) as far as I understand so I went round and said goodbye to everyone and thank you. In my opinion everything was done right. He can deny it because he has to look good in this situation.

"I knew that it took two hours to drive to London and I had to be there because we were 90% there and then the dea l didn't happen. My only regret is that I didn't have the paper in my hand before I went to London."

Odemwingie, who has 18 months left on his West Brom contract, confirmed that he still wishes to leave the club for personal reasons.

"I believe if West Brom brought me back here it is because they believe there is a way I can be back on the pitch and giving my best to the team," he said.

"I will always love the club but I will still leave, it is just a matter of time. I understand the need to honour your contract but the club have known the reasons I want to leave for some time now. They feel I can overcome that, but they don't know my heart.

"My contract runs out in a year and a half. I wasn't offered an extension here. My career ends one day and so will my contract here at West Brom."

Harry sorry as PO deal collapses

Peter Odemwingie: Had a fruitless drive to London on Thursday

Odemwingie was pictured outside Loftus Road on Thursday evening, despite his club revealing they had not given him permission to speak to QPR.

He even told Sky Sports News: "Of course I love West Brom and I always will. But I'm very optimistic that I will join QPR, it's a new chapter in my life.

"I am optimistic. A few good players have arrived here (at QPR) and I am happy with the trust Harry Redknapp has in me.

"The last few results have given us a chance to stay up. I don't think the owners will bring in so many players if they don't think it will happen.

"It's not 100 per cent (the deal), it's not sorted yet but I hope West Brom will be happy with what they get."

Redknapp, however, later told Sky Sports News: "I feel sorry for the lad and the way things have turned out. I think he was advised that he should turn up, that the club had made an offer and it was accepted.

"I think the wires must have got crossed somewhere. It won't get resurrected at this time of night, it's too late."

Despite not capturing Odemwingie, Redknapp still enjoyed a productive transfer deadline day, securing the signings of defender Christopher Samba and Spurs duo Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend.

"We lost a fantastic centre-half in Ryan Nelsen but bought another top one in Christopher Samba," said Redknapp.

"That was good for us as it was going to be difficult to replace Ryan.

"Other than that, the other deals have been already done, so it was just the two lads from Tottenham really."

Redknapp believes the new signings have boosted QPR's chances of Premier League survival.

"It's going to be difficult but we're bang in there," he said. "We've still got a big chance. We just need to put a little run together, get back-to-back wins, starting with Norwich on Saturday."

WBA blast 'unprofessional' PO

Peter Odemwingie: Had a strange day on Thursday

The 31-year-old striker had been a target of QPR throughout January and had repeatedly voiced his displeasure at not being allowed to leave.

However, when he drove to London and addressed a media scrum talking about a move to Rangers, it appeared a deal was on the table.

But Albion quickly released a statement saying Odemwingie was there without permission and QPR admitted the same, saying they had stopped him from getting into their Loftus Road ground.

As a result, a deal was not done, and West Brom have released a statement voicing their displeasure at Odemwingie's behaviour.

It read: "Albion can confirm that no agreement was reached with QPR over the transfer of Peter Odemwingie before the closure of the January window and that the striker remains under contract at The Hawthorns.

"The club were extremely disappointed to witness TV footage of Odemwingie arriving at Loftus Road on Thursday evening despite further talks between the two Barclays Premier League sides proving fruitless. Odemwingie was also never given permission to speak to QPR about a potential move."

Chairman Jeremy Peace added that the matter had become a point of principle and warned Odemwingie that he had to get his head around seeing out the last 18 months of his contract at The Hawthorns.

"The evening's developments have brought a conclusion to what has been an unsavoury affair," he said. "As our sporting and technical director (designate) Richard Garlick has repeatedly said in recent days, we had no need or desire to sell our core players.

"The only way we would have considered letting Peter leave was if an acceptable offer was forthcoming and if we had found a suitable replacement at relatively short notice.

"Neither materialised and, in the end, the matter became a point of principle as much as anything.

"Peter has acted wholly unprofessionally. He must now accept the fact he remains under cont ract for a further 18 months and has to focus on his Albion commitments."

Odemwingie is now faced with going back to West Brom looking for forgiveness, having spent the best part of the last week complaining on Twitter about their refusal to allow him to leave.

He had, though, initially thought that was in the past, telling reporters from his car: "It's fine. West Brom was my home but this is a new chapter. I love West Brom and always will.

"I am optimistic. A few good players have arrived here (at QPR) and I am happy with the trust Harry Redknapp has in me.

"The last few results have given us a chance to stay up. I don't think the owners will bring in so many players if they don't think it will happen.

"I hope West Brom are happy with what they will get and they hope to get players themselves."