This is the reason why QPR will survive the dreaded drop back into the Championship. We have our Spine back. In years past, all commentators and pundits mentioned how the successful teams always had a ' Spine. ' This is our spine, Kenny, a quality keeper who has returned to form at a crucial time. His performances of late have once again instilled confidence in our defence. Hill and Ferdinand, they have of late become a solid defensive partnership. All great sides of the past have required this. Think Mclintock and Webb, Hansen and Lawrenson, Thompson and Hughes, Bruce and Pallister, Adams and Bould. Barton, in midfield... at last we have a leader and a captain who is doing everything we expected of him. Like Hollins ( Holloway for the youngsters. ) in the 70's he is doing the simple things well, passing the ball and breaking up play. Also alongside him, we have Diakite. He can do what Barton does but also has the unique ability to carry the ball from defence and into an attacking position with seamless ease to put himself in a position to distribute the ball to a more potent force. He also makes himself available to either continue this momentum or get a shot off. Zamora, although he hasn't been pulling down trees, what he does, he does very well. He holds the ball up and brings the support into play. Off the ball he continuously works defenders creating space for others. In Cisse's recent abscence he has led the line really well and has had to play the role of the lone frontman working his socks off for the team. So there we have it, but it doesn't end there does it? In every other role other than the spine, where is the weak link? At R/B we have Nedum. If not he..Luke Young. At L/B we have the mighty Taiwo, if not he..Traore. Holding Midfielders we have Derry and also Buszaky who is great in attack. I haven't even mentioned Taarabt, the ubiquitous Mackie or Cisse yet. There is no better squad among the four teams battling to stay-up. That's why we will do this, we are getting better and better and growing stronger and stronger, and more importantly... We have garnered a tremendous team spirit again. The type that we all witnessed last season. Every player fighting for each other, every player fighting for every fan. Believe this my fellow R's. We can beat anyone, we really can. I haven't even mentioned our meticulous Manager. He will not let a West Brom type performance occur again this season. We will stay-up.
You're not wrong in your assessment of our team's strengths, spirit or potential. Given the more difficult run-in, the one we all feared would take us down, we've peaked in the nick of time. Problem is the opponents we face. On paper we should get three points. In reality it could be anything from nothing to all nine...
Consistncy Nines, I'll give you that. You've been singing the same tune for months and I've tried my best to sing it with you. I still do, great post and so so true. We will do this, the R's are staying up! Looking forward to see you at the Stoke game.
Thanks Queens Park Rangerslander. Very true Brix, But,' Get busy living or get busy dying.' Our poor away form can't continue with this squad. We have an almost fully fit quality squad to choose from. Our poor form away has got to cease sometime.. If not now...When? I've tried Norway, and it has been sometimes testing. Especially with our rivals recent results, but I think we can still do it. I'll see you and your son on the glorious 5th to celebrate. I'm really looking forward to it.
Good post Nines. You are right, we do have a decent spine. Personally I'm still not convinced about Ferdinand, but that may just be because of his languid style. However, I am happier with Zamora than some, he works really hard and can occupy at least 2 of our opponents back 4.
Nines! Great post mate! Every day since Saturday I been having this recurring dream that we going to win 4 - 0 Sunday, Diakite features prominently with his sudden sprints from midfield having end product... Lovely! Now I'll slap myself a few times and get back to work.
Great post Nines. I hate to say it, but I have a sneaky suspicion that the Rs will get something at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Hoping for a Barcelona Hangover.
I never forecasted Wigan' rise to form, although always thought Bolton and Blackburn would be alright. I think a lot rests on Saturday's results. If Wigan and Bolton were to win, I think that puts you in a must win situation at Stamford Bridge on the Sunday. If results go your way, 3 points should well be enough. All rests on this weekend in my view
Great post nines, and i too believe we will get something out of Sunday's game. A few wks ago Wigan went there and were robbed by bad decisions. Belief is the key. We can do it!!!!
Belief is the key. AND NOW we do believe we will win at home....but do we really believe the team can win on the road, not sure. I would truly believe if we we were playing Chelski and Citeh at home and Stoke away...that would be 6 points. It will be Sparkys best job to get the team believing they can win away. But I think he may just be able to do it
You've hit the nail on the head. Our mental attitude is key. Concentrating on the game itself and not John Terry is what we need to do. I hope your prediction is right. One thing is for sure. We will have to change our set up and formation. I expect Cisse to start and Mackie to take on Cole. The best way to change our away form is to change our game plan.
Got to say Nines. you are a true believer and (may) have actually forced some into believing that we are staying up. I'm definately still on the fence and not as convinced we are goiong down, as i was before... You ever thought of politics..?
Great post, nines. One of my colleagues at work has told me several times over the course of the season that a spine was what we lacked.
