CAULKER: ENVIRONMENT AT QPR HAS HAD BIG IMPACT ON ME please log in to view this image PUBLISHED 15:00 2nd September 2016 by @QPRFC Steven Caulker reveals how much he is enjoying being part of the QPR dressing room … Steven Caulker says there have been big changes at QPR Defender hopes QPR environment will enable him to produce his best football The 24 year old says he learned a lot from last season STEVEN Caulker has revealed the atmosphere within the QPR dressing room reassured him that staying with the club was the right move for him. Over the course of the summer transfer window, there had been speculation the defender would leave the club, on loan or permanently. With the window now closed, Caulker has told www.qpr.co.uk that he feels the environment at the club will give him the platform he needs to produce his best football. The 24 year-old explained: “It was important for me to play football this season – whether that was in the Championship or the Premier League didn’t make a difference to me, it was all about playing and enjoying my football again.” Caulker signed for the R’s in 2014, before spending last season on loan at Southampton and Liverpool following the R’s relegation from the top flight. Since returning to Harlington, he has been impressed by what he has walked into. “I really enjoyed pre-season here,” he added. “It has been great working under the gaffer. There have been big changes since I was here two years ago, there are now a lot of young, fresh faces around and the players are hungry. “It has been a great environment to work in and that has definitely had an impact on me. The atmosphere here reassured me that this is the place for me. This is where I feel most comfortable and feel I can produce my best performances.” Caulker found first-team chances at St Mary’s and Anfield limited, making only 12 appearances, five coming from the bench. Having been a regular starter throughout his career, he admits it was a difficult situation, but an experience he benefitted from and one he feels stronger for. “Last year was difficult,” he said. “It wasn’t as enjoyable as I would have liked. “I certainly don’t knock it because I learned a lot from it, but being back here and being involved in the wins against Leeds and Cardiff was great, you just can’t compare that feeling of playing. “I am here, hopefully in the team – there is such great competition that you know you have to be at the top of your game – and there’s a chance for me to enjoy my football again.” The R’s are fifth in the table after five games, and Caulker says the target for the squad has to be maintaining that level. “Everyone is really hungry in that changing room,” he said. “We all want to get better. “The manager is on top of us every day, demanding the best from us. I believe there is no reason why we shouldn’t be targeting a promotion push. That’s what we would love to do, and I am sure that’s what the fans want to see. “If we all work hard, you never know what could happen.” Caulker is hoping to be fit for next weekend’s game against Blackburn, having missed our 1-0 win at Wigan with a groin injury. “I have been out for the last two weeks but I will be back to training next week, and hopefully raring to go for Blackburn” he said. Read more at http://www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/2...deadline-day-3286368.aspx#5vOtrU7W66xIXIm4.99
Like a new signing.......he could become the player we all thought he was when we got him from Cardiff.......
“Everyone is really hungry in that changing room,” he said. “We all want to get better." (perhaps bigger? then we would need Adel back, and Cole) On December 13th 2010 manager Sam Allardyce was sacked by Venky's - Big Sam's come a long way in 6 years.
Another good article 999's so thanks for posting. Today is a great day for good reading on here! Absolutely delighted he is staying with us and delighted the club didn't sell him in the transfer window. Feeling more optimistic than I have done for a couple of years. Not that we will necessarily get promoted but that we have a set of players who will play their hearts out for the fans. After a few years of mercenaries, it looks like we have come full circle, thank god.
Seems like he has realised just what he could lose and is knuckling down, credit to JFH for getting the best out of him...
.....or, to be rather cynical "as no one I regard as better came in for me, I've decided it's brilliant here". I'd prefer that attitude to the sulking pansies we have had in the past. Either way if he plays well who cares?
I hope not Tramore! He has played at the level I expected from him ever since he arrived! If he continues to perform as he did against Leeds & Cardiff I will be pleased to have him at the club. More importantly, it would probably mean that he has developed as a human being.
I have been critical of JFH recently (due mainly to results and inconsistent performances) however if he can turn Caulker into a decent defender it will go a long way to help change my mind on his management. I thought Caulker was a lost cause.
It just feels like such a foreign concept this recent and very positive feeling vibing from our club. Felt like we were stuck in this long dark tunnel of learching from crisis and new false dawns. Our QPR, the one we all fell in love but got lost may just be finding its way again at long last. All we need to help is get rid of JFH and open the checkbook for 11 over 30 midfielders oh and get our Julie back in goal. Rename loftus road end the Mark Huges stand and get Harold back to direct the director of football... Sorry about the wumming bit in last paragraph, I have sunk a few fullers and I am a self confessed idiot Anyway happy days and could at last we be getting our Rangers back? U R's
Think Caulker had a bit of a reality check last season. He's basically got to prove himself again and that is no bad thing for us.
As mentioned, he's been like a new signing for us so far this season. 100% fit and on his game, he's one of, if not the, best defender in the championship.
Good to hear the dressing room ethos has changed but he's a different lad too. That trip to his country of origin ( apologies, I forget where) impacted him deeply and for the better. Great to see the turn around.
