This time around QPR are hinting that they’ve learnt the lessons of their most recent trip up to the Premier League.
What happened last season
They made it up, but only just. It wasn’t always pretty, but the goal was achieved in the dying moments of the Championship play-off against Derby with a dramatic goal from Bobby Zamora.
Half-way through the season it looked like QPR were comfortably heading for promotion, losing only a few games before Christmas. But the second half of the season wasn’t as flash and of particular concern were the 10 losses away from Loftus Road.
The outstanding contribution came from Charlie Austin, who bagged 19 goals, but the next best was Ravel Morrison on six. Zamora only bagged four.
What happened in the off-season
Apart from Joey Barton, who’s always thereabouts, two players have dominated the headlines. Rio Ferdinand looks a great pick up from Manchester United. No longer quick or fit enough to play at the elite end of the competition, he’s a more than handy get by Harry Redknapp and should form a formidable central defensive partnership with the equally experienced Richard Dunne.
Meanwhile, Loic Remy’s on-again, off-again move to Liverpool, which eventually fell through due to a failed medical, means that Redknapp has quality up front to compliment Austin, while Mauricio Isla will be expected to provide quality coming from deep out wide.
Isla, more a wing-back than a fullback, also points to the potential of Redknapp using a back three.
Beyond that, the manager has set about reducing the age of his squad and adding depth through the acquisition of two Cardiff 22-year-olds, centre back Steven Caulker and midfielder Jordan Mutch.
Why QPR fans should be excited about the 2014/15 season
There hasn’t been the same level of squad rotation that there was the last time QPR went up the top flight, and that should prove a sound decision.
Stability and ensuring the spirit throughout the squad remain high are the big learnings for chairman Tony Fernandes and Redknapp from the last time QPR went up.
Then, Fernandes went a bit silly and was left was a bloated squad when QPR soon dropped back to the Championship.
Here they’ve been more circumspect, starting by strengthening the centre of defence via Ferdinand and Caulker. With Dunne and Ferdinand now in their mid 30’s, Caulker’s signing looks a good one.
Meanwhile, Mutch adds a few goals out of midfield, and with Remy, Junior Hoilett and Isla’s creativity, the R’s suddenly mightn’t be so reliant on Austin.
The main man that can carry QPR’s 2014/15 hopes
Ferdinand is a big addition and, if his body is strong enough, can be expected to assume the role of Redknapp’s on-field leader.
But the key man at this stage looks like Remy. Fourteen goals in 26 games for Newcastle tells you of his quality, but like Ferdinand he’s been a tad injury-prone, so getting the best out of him looks line-ball at the moment.
Right now, after his failed move to Liverpool, it’s about getting Remy’s head in the right space.
Verdict – Pushing clear of relegation
Have to admit to never being a big fan of either Redknapp or Ferdinand, but they’ve got the experience to guide QPR through their EPL return and into a safe area above the drop-zone.
Loftus Road, “home” the Socceroos for many a friendly over the years, proved a fortress last season and the addition of Ferdinand and Caulker should only help on that front.
Redknapp, however, must prove that he can bring through some kids and get some goals out of the likes of Hoilett and Mutch to compliment his star pairing of Remy and Austin up front.
Queens Park Rangers team to compete in 2014/15
Goalkeeper: (1) Robert Green, (na) Julio Cesar, (26) Brian Murphy.Defender: (na) Steven Caulker, (38) Coll Donaldson, (5) Richard Dunne, (na) Rio Ferdinand, (27) Michael Harriman, (6) Clint Hill, (na) Mauricio Isla, (15) Nedum Onuoha, (2) Danny Simpson, (3) Armand Traore, (13) Suk-Young Yun.
Midfield: (17) Joey Barton, (28) Max Ehmer, (22) Hogan Ephraim, (32) Alejandro Faurlin, (20) Karl Henry, (23) David Hoilett, (16) Jermaine Jenas, (na) Stephane Mbia, (na) Jordan Mutch, (36) Gary O’Neil, (42) Michael Petrasso, (7) Matt Phillips, (na) Adel Taarabt, (11) Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards: (9) Charlie Austin, (na) Loic Remy, (25) Bobby Zamora.
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