Ray Wilkins: QPR staying up will put my class of '93 in the shade Simon Johnson 12 Aug 2011 Speak to any fan of Queens Park Rangers and they will always talk with pride about the year they finished as the top London club in the first-ever Premier League season in 1993. A side boasting the talents of Les Ferdinand, Andy Sinton and Ray Wilkins thrived under the guidance of manager Gerry Francis to end in an impressive fifth place - leaving the capital's so-called elite trailing in their wake. The achievement has come to be regarded by many as one of the highlights in the club's history, but Wilkins believes it will be put in the shade if the current squad can avoid relegation this term. Back in the top flight after a 15-year absence, the game has changed as radically as QPR's playing staff with most Premier League clubs able to make expensive signings and entertain a high wage bill. Rangers on the other hand won the Championship last season with a combination of journeymen, inspired cheap purchases and astute man-management under boss Neil Warnock. They have added the free transfers of Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon and Jay Bothroyd to the roster so far this summer, with DJ Campbell arriving from Blackpool for £1.25million but they are among the favourites to be relegated. Despite that, Wilkins is confident they can rise to the challenge. He said: "I am very excited to see them back in the Premier League. They are back where they belong. When the stadium is full it is an absolute delight, the atmosphere is something very special and it will be full for every game. "Some modern-day football fans may not believe that QPR were a consistent member of the top flight, but we had a very good side 20 years ago. "Everything was geared to playing good football and it was a side that would have graced any Premier League. It was a very special achievement to finish as the top London club in 1993, but it was only what we deserved because of the way we played the game. We beat Spurs and had two draws with Arsenal so we merited the position. "But the financial implication of being in the Premier League now makes things harder and QPR have to cut their cloth accordingly. "You can't spend the megabucks like the big boys do now and they have had to spend wisely, which I think they have done. Hopefully they can maintain their top-flight status and evolve as a Premier League club once again. "I would say because of the financial situation these days it will be a better achievement if this side can stay up this season rather than the one I was in that finished in fifth place." There has been much speculation over the future of Warnock, even though he worked wonders to get the club promoted in the first place. Wilkins feels the former Crystal Palace manager could make the difference between them staying up or not and added: "The manager is always important and Neil has done a tremendous job. It will be lovely to see him get the opportunity to coach them in the Premier League. He knows the players inside out and enjoys being in charge of the club. It's obviously going to be a very tough season for them. "They have to do well at home and I'm sure they will, with the fans at Loftus Road. "It is important they get off to a good start but it's no good doing what Blackpool did and collapsing through Christmas and the back end." He certainly sees good reason for optimism when looking at the key members of the squad and concluded: "Gabbidon is going to play his part and his experience of playing in the Premier League at West Ham will be crucial. "At the other end of the pitch you have to create something. Adel *Taarabt has an instinct for of creating opportunities. The target for all the promoted sides will be to finish fourth from bottom. I think QPR can do it." QPR Manager:Neil Warnock Last season: 1st in Championship Title odds: 1,500-1 (Paddy Power) Ins: Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff, free); DJ Campbell (Blackpool, £1.25m); Kieron Dyer (West Ham, free); Danny Gabbidon (West Ham, free); Brian Murphy (Ipswich, free); Bruno Perone (unattached, free) Outs: Mikele Leigertwood (Reading, undisclosed); Lee Brown (Bristol R, free); Released: Pascal Chimbonda
As ever, kind words from Uncle Ray Wilkins. Does he ever say anything remotely controversial? But as for putting that side in the shade, I think not, most of those players, if not all, are better than we currently have.
Na Roller. Its just that he presided over the total collapse of a good team and it took us 15 years to recover (in case you haven't noticed, I hold grudges!!). Still, he's a thoroughly decent bloke and judging by what happened Chelsea last year when he left, a good coach too.
I know all that mate, believe me and I knew exactly what you were saying all along. I was just joking with you! I'm not so sure about that. I think the players liked Wilkins and were pissed off with Abramovich for getting rid of him and sulked.
Diplomatically speaking, Ray Wilkins can **** right off! Forget his Chelsea wonders, once he got to managing us, he was complete crap... and no better as a pundit either. His views about us are patronising at best. He's a toad. ...and I'm having a great day thank you!!
