Redknapp’s gamble may just save QPR from dreaded drop

Redknapp’s gamble may just save QPR from dredded drop

20 January 2013 by samenright01





“You shouldn’t be paying massive wages when you’ve got a stadium that holds 18,000 people.”

“I don’t want to spend the owners’ money, really, I’ve got to be honest with you.”

Given Harry Redknapp’s famous, or to some infamous, penchant for splashing cash at the football clubs he has managed, his comments in the lead-up to the current January transfer window had an unfamiliar air of pragmatism and caution to them. It seemed as if Redknapp’s wont to purchase players in bulk had been curbed by the dire situation, both in footballing and financial terms, that Queens Park Rangers found themselves in by the end of the calendar year. But alas, Rednkapp’s recent acquisition of French international Loic Remy for 8 million pounds – and his admission that QPR are on the verge of signing his French counterpart, Yann M’Villa, for a similar fee - not only rendered his previous comments obselete but represents a considerable gamble from the club in a final attempt to avoid the disastrous financial implications that would accompany its relegation to the Championship.

Should M’Villa join Remy on the conveyor belt of the nine incoming transfers QPR have made for the 2012/13 season, it is tempting to see them as merely another two out-of-form, past-their-best players, adding to a roster full of dead weight. However this view is too simplistic. Rewind twelve months and Remy and M’Villa were two of the most sought after young players in French, if not, world football. Indeed Redknapp had previously been on the verge of signing Remy for Spurs, and a host of top clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United were known to be interested in M’Villa to add steel to their midfield. Admittedly their stocks have fallen notably since they were highly sought-after prospects, through a series of factors, both on and off the pitch. Remy’s form this season has seen a return of a miserly three goals this season, while M’Villa’s plight has been even more drastic – he has been frozen out from both the national team (he is banned until 2014) and his club side Rennes due to his growing reputation as a troublemaker.

In a squad in which there have already been internal divisions, the addition of another two players with a reputation for trouble and inconsistency may appear the last thing QPR need. But this is effectively their last throw of the dice. Though their careers have taken a nosedive in the last year or so, In Harry Redknapp, Remy and M’Villa are under a renowned man-manager who prides himself in getting the best out of his players. Perhaps leaving France and its media is exactly what is needed to revive the fortunes of the two promising talents. With QPR five points off the 17th-placed team, Redknapp has clearly opted to place faith in Remy’s potential to score goals which could be all-important in their quest to survival, and in M’Villa’s potential to strengthen what has at times this season been a non-existent midfield.


Clearly it is a gamble: If QPR do not avoid relegation, they will lose the French pair, for whom there will be relegation clauses; on the other hand, if Remy and M’Villa inspire the club to an unlikely survival, the club’s ambitious project to become a Premier League power-house will be back on track. It is make or break time, but QPR’s French duo may just prove to be the catalysts to an unlikely salvation act.

 

Good article, it is indeed make or break, let's hope it pays off !

 

The last roll of the dice indeed. Will we end up like Bond or Charlie Brown? It will all come down to Liverpool away but fantastic if we are safe by the end of the last home game v Newcastle.

 

Not just Remi and M'Vila is it? There's mention of Malouda now and 'Arry's definitely mentioned being after a CB to replace Nelsen. Lot of money. Lot of wages.

Not seeing much movement out either. Can't remember, does the loans window close at the end of the month too?

 

Re loans - yes

 

He's only stating the obvious in the article. Nothing to see here. Move on.

 

There's no way you will be relegated this season, I just can't see it.

With regards to wanting to become a powerhouse in the league. What do you think they actually mean by that? How far do they actually think a club the size of yours can go?

 

There is every chance we will go down, believe me
We are picking up points at the minute but we are having a bit of luck and it is backs to the wall
We just want to be a premiership club that does not have to worry about relegation every season and has a realistic chance in the cup

 

Thats fair enough and they are exactly our ambitions

I just think Redknapp alone would probably keep you up but with the money he's spending, I would be more shocked if you went down. Honestly.

That's not a dig at you for splashing out either, cos if you have it, spend it.

 

1PT a game aint going to keep us up?

 

It's going to be a low level this season.18th place is currently running four points behind games played.I was predicting 36-7 before Christmas.It could well be a point or two lower.

 

Possibly right CT

I see from your board that you're throwing money about too? £7m or more on Hooper ??

 

What doesn't break us, makes us stronger.
I'm thinking Harry will cast off the driftwood in the last 24 hours, hence the reason of getting players in asap to comfirm who needs to go on the last day of the window.

 

Really? There's a lot to do and a lot of luck needed. The table doesn't lie.

 

No it doesn't, but it doesn't tell a full story either. You are where you are because of Mark Hughes.

You now have one of the best managers in the league, who has experience of a (successful) relegation fight and is spending big money on quality players. Your results have improved dramtically and you are picking up points. It's better to start slow and finish strong (like us ).

You are only 4 or 5 points away from safety as well, 2 games and you could be out of it.