QPR, Can they Progress?

Since Flavio Briatore and his millions arrived last summer, much was expected of QPR - and many leading pundits and fans alike expected them to at least reach the playoffs, if not automatic promotion. Alas, in what was the weakest championship division in many years, they staggered to a mid table finish, and it has to be asked has any improvement been made, and how can they progress in the future?

Well, firstly it's quite clear that the board are having far too much of an influence in team selections/transfers, something that isn't healthy for any club. The fact that they've had 6 managers in under 2 years is a testiment to how inconsitent they've been. Consider Wolves, they gave Mcarthy time and lo and behold he got them promoted, is that not a philosiphy QPR should take? There were rumours after Sousa left that they were going for Warnock, who, although a contreversial character, would have been perfect for a team like QPR. At the moment they have Gareth Ainsworth in temporary charge - His record as caretaker is decent, if not spectacular and he certainly has the desire for the job, but it's surely an experienced head they need right now, someone who knows the division?

In a way they've been sensible, by not splashing out on 100 million for players, and growing too quickly, and indeed they do have a lot of depth in their squad, but quantity not quality seems to be their motto at the moment. When Palace played at loftus road towards the back end of last season, they had two stand out players - Wayne Routledge, and the on loan Adel Tarrabt - the rest weren't anything special. In short, they were badly missing any fire power upfront. As good as "colombian god" Angelo Balanta is, he's no Kevin Doyle, Sylvain Ebanks Blake or even an Andy Johnson in days gone by. You can spend all the money you want improving the squad, but to get a striker that can fire in 25+ goals per season is virtually priceless.

It just does depend on how they play it - the board are showing some signs of sensible progression, but other signs of stupidity. The league, for me will be much tougher this year - of the teams coming up, Leicester and Peterbrough will have money to spend, and all of the relegated teams should be there or there abouts. Add teams like Swansea Preston, Sheffield United and Ipswich who will continue to improve and we should see a highly competitive league. 

They do have the potential to be the "5th london team", if you like - yes Fulham are in the premiership right now, but they have no where near the fanbase of Palace, QPR or Charlton. 

They will have to spend money this summer, of that there is no doubt - and a striker is an absolute top priority, however, most importantly they need to pick a manager who can offer them the stability and experience to help them progress.

RAG