SHAUN Derry has ruled out leaving QPR as he bids to prove himself again to boss Mark Hughes. The experienced midfielder defied the odds last season to hold his own in the Rangers engine room despite doubts whether he could cut it in the top-flight. Derry made 32 appearances as the R's narrowly escaped relegation on a nail-biting final day of the campaign at Manchester City. However, with the summer arrivals of Samba Diakite after a successful loan spell and South Korean superstar Ji Sung Park, the former Crystal Palace man has been linked with a move away from Loftus Road. But, Derry, who is in the final 12 months of his deal in W12, says he has no intention of quitting the club as he clings on to his Premier League dream. He told the Chronicle: âPeople can look at me and Clint Hill and say we would've been washed away with the breed of players we've brought in, but the results have been there along with the performances. We've had to adapt ourselves. âI want to play at the highest level for as long as I can. I hope I'm going to be in the squad of 25 along with the rest of the players here. âThe end of the window's around the corner and then another one in January. What I have always done is break the season up in little three month blocks and assess things as I go. âThere's no point looking too far ahead because things can change so quickly in football. There's no point in making rash decisions either. I'm not going to go and knock on the gaffer's door and say 'I want to go to pastures news'. âI'm 34 years old and playing in the Premier League. I'm not going to give it up too easy. I still feel I have a role to play at this football club.â While the likes of Luke Young, DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd have been bombed out by Hughes and left out of QPR's summer tours, Derry done enough last year to earn a seat on the plane to Asia and Germany. Now he hopes he can do enough to win a place in the Welshman's first-team plans. âWe have got strength in depth in numbers,â he added. âWhen new players come in the level of intensity improves every day. You have to embrace that otherwise you get left behind. âWe're playing at the top of English football. Nobody's place is guaranteed, regardless of their name or career they've had. You don't get your place unless you deserve it. âThere's 40 players at this football club and the manager has to make difficult decisions. Unfortunately, some players weren't included on the tour and it's hard because they are mates of mine. But it's a brutal and selfish game and you have to look after yourself. It's dog eat dog.â Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-qpr/2012/08/17/82029-31639418/#ixzz23mz6EBPT
This guy deserves to see out his contract, do his coaching badges and keep him at the club. He can fill some gaps for us this season and retire at the end. Deserves it after the shift he put in over the last two years.
He played a part in 32 out of 38 games last season I hope no one dares to say he is washed up far from it, all the younger guys could learn a thing or two about professionalism from him. I still think he will do a good job on any given day.
I disagree with the reasons you give W9 but I agree he's still got a part to play for us this season. We're no hospice though and the only reason you can ever justify keeping a player is if they're good enough to play in the team.
In the EPL last season he had some genuinely good performances that were as good as any of his in the CCC the season before. Yet he was much less consistent, which either was because of a change in quality of opposition or the fact that the team was ever changing and he was getting less games so was able to fit in to the changing systems.
Last season we were a little suspect when he was not in the team and even with the signings of Diakite and park I think he will play more than half the league games this season just remember what Holloway once said "It’s all very well having a great pianist playing but it’s no good if you haven’t got anyone to get the piano on the stage in the first place, otherwise the pianist would be standing there with no bloody piano to play."
I'm partially with you old Swords-Ed-Spoors-Hoopster but have a slightly looser qualification. I know I'm a bit more sentimental than you but I think players should be kept if they add some sort of value (whatever that is). For example, Derry is a model pro and some of the statements he makes give the impression of someone that keeps the younger players grounded. He will by no means be one of the top earners and any coaching badges he did would have the benefit of helping those at the club. Basically, I'm saying that as long as his appearances on a Saturday, coupled with his efforts and impact during the rest of the week, provide justification for his wages then he can stay as long as we can keep him busy in any capacity.
look at the strides made by Marc bircham in terms of coaching and promotion within the club. no reason why derry couldn't do the same.
Derry is by far not finished yet. Last season proved that. He was immense in some big games for us last season and performed well in most of his games. Definatley worth a place in the 25 imo.
Derry, Hill, Taraabt and Mackie would be 4 players who are in my team everytime. They are QPR through and through and sweat blood very game and hardly ever let us down (well perhaps Taraabt doesnt but watch him go this season). The other 7 places can be made up of the remaining 21 squad players.
S*** we don't want another bloody relegation battle. Lucky MH thinks with his head and not his heart.
Wouldn't be in my 25 man squad to be honest. Deserves a role at the club however, was brilliant in our promotion season.
