A couple of weeks ago I wrote a conservative piece arguing that the Hughes era looked more likely to be an evolutionary process rather than anything more radical. My pitch was based on MH's record of gaining mid table status after relatively slow starts - and our not getting much luck in this window given our lowly seating atm. I could've added a cautionary note against our owners' willingness to put their money where their keyboards are but realised this was probably the cynics on here getting to me, so I decided against it. Glad I did too given the way things are looking now. And must confess, seeing all the names we're said to be in for, I'm not so sure about the evolutionary bit either. The next two days represents the most involved and fascinating transfer period in our history. Moses, Rodallega, Samba, Pienaar, Bassong, Djibril Cissé and now Ballack. To think that on top of Taiwo, Onuaha and Diakite whose services we've already secured, there's every possibility that one, two or even more of these others could also be Rs by Wednesday, is just as crazy an idea as the thought of our romping to the NPC title seemed just over a year ago. And with each additional signing there's less chance of loose players turning their noses up at joining the Rangers revolution than appeared to be the case a couple of weeks ago. Whilst their clubs may be the main obstacle, I certainly don't see Samba, Rodallega or Moses giving the impression that a move to LR would be like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Doing it right though ain't they, the owners? No sign of Abramovich / Mansoor silly money, thank God. Mostly loans with options to buy in the summer. Makes a lot more sense at this stage than full transfers imo. The recruits helping to keep us up secures another £40m or so in Sky/Prem bonus - and effectively pays much of the related costs - including wages. And that's not the half of it, is it? Global names now for global aspirations. Great business guys, lining up African talent! Efficient, effective and economical. Whilst the Asian markets are being primed, Africa is perhaps the most hungry of all continental clients for anything relating to football - and premiership football in particular. Not hard to envisage hoops merchandise free flowing across the continent over the next few years (even if much of it turns out to be a bit dodgy, n'at I mean like!). As for continuity should we survive into next season - the ages of those signed and pending make squad development as viable as the rest of the plan that appears to be unfolding. Mostly mid 20s (Taiwo, Onuaha, Rodallega, Samba, Bassong etc.) with a couple of young prospects (Diakite and Moses) in their early 20s; and some mature heads to keep us steady (Pienaar, Cissé, Ballack etc.). Love to see Victor Moses signed at some stage. He's certainly got it in him and needs a project like this to really get him going. (Ugh, Wigan. What WAS he thinking?!) Not wanting to count our chickens before they've signed the dotted line, one thing's a dead cert: someone upstairs has clearly been doing their homework. Some solid building blocks going down with the firm intention of setting us right for years to come - and wages apart, not a great deal spent. So for those of you who'd doubt our Tone and Co, worry not. Signs are these owners of ours R the bizz!
a great piece Brix, thoroughly enjoyed reading that and very true! I think we have secured the best deal in getting a lot of knowledge behind the scenes
Excellent piece Brix. Agree with everything you say. I would just add a cautionary note that, with a lot of new signings (totally needed and welcome!!) comes the possibility of the team needing quite a while to gel. We don't have any time for this, as we know our next few games are vital! Imagine this.... Onouha, Samba and Taiwo - 3 new players in the back 4. That alone is quite risky, but again, without doubt, much needed. Bit of a conundrum imo. Lots for MH to ponder and get right, especially with the return of Adel and Armand....lots of jigsaw puzzling ahead!!!!
Normally I would have to agree with you Col, on the gel factor. However, MH has impressed me with the way he has got the squad together under his regime so quickly - and buying into his methods and structure for the team. Still a way to go, everyone knows that - but the signs are very positive, both on and off the pitch. An interesting two days ahead, with some very positive names being mentioned - and, as Brix has said, a good mix of ages (for now, and for the future).
Thouroghly enjoyable reading Brix. Agree with your points as I've posted many similar ones in recent weeks. Very exciting times indeed, god I'm a happy Ranger right now. Would just like to add re loan signings. Even though I couldn't agree more with NW at the time when he arrived (we had 5-7 loans at the time!) he said we shouldn't look to rely on loan signings anymore if we wanted to be successful. Won't go into all the variables, but he was spot on at the time. This time it's different imo. The loan signings being made are with an option to buy. It's a common fact that the Premier League are the ultimate goal for many foreigners, don't see it to be any different for Taiwo and Diakite (and maybe more to come). It's not just QPR playing for their future, but these players also having a giant carrot at the end of the line should make them "play for their lives" to secure our PL status. A mutual goal for all involved if you like. And Col, it's not like we've had a settled back four this season, this should be the least of our worrys. If there's a will there's a way, right? Keep your inspired writing up Brix, it's a joy to behold
The African angle is an interesting one. Not only in shipping merchandise across the Straits of Gibraltar, but because of the demographics of Shepherds Bush and our stadium. You could add the whole of London really. If QPR became the team 'out of Africa,' this would be a huge attraction to African migrants looking for a team to identify with. Imagine the media interest of a prem team representing the emerging new football continent? The potential for exponential growth is huge. Just be afraid when the African Cup of Nations comes around every two years though.
Agree, It wasnt that long ago when we hosted an African team International (Ghana or Nigeria ??) and the place was rammed. And if Big Tone does get into the Asian market as well then i't could be an interesting pre season tour in a few years time
Without wanting to come over sounding a bit John Terry'ish, but if all these signings do come off, we are going to be in serious doodoo the next time ACON comes along. This time it was just two players we lost, but next time could be the whole team.
What a mod! "Brixton QPR to lead England into a new age of joy and prosperity" I can see it. Col, if the players are good enough and know their jobs well enough, I think the gelling time will be substantially quicker. Re: ACON, we'll be that good that we'll use the month to try out our youngsters.
Echo my thoughts exactly. Nice post. To get them playing together early on the key will be to keep it simple which it looks like MH has already done with the existing squad. You can expand on tactics at a latter date but to begin keep it simple. Simple clear instructions to your players, It's how O'neil turns around teams so quickly when he takes over..
Nice piece, Brix, prompting a lot of consensual replies. Thanks for all your hard work on here. I particularly agree about the owners doing it right: sensible money for players mostly in their mid twenties.
