Just in: IJTaylor81IanJTaylor Almost over the line, but one or two things still to iron out. I didn't state what hour! Keep them peeled #QPR
AC MILAN STAR SIGNS Posted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012 Mark Hughes has clinched his first signing as new QPR Manager, with the addition of AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo. The 26 year-old, who can also operate in midfield, has put pen-to-paper on loan deal until the end of the season. Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Hughes said: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar. "To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him. "He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality. "He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us." Taiwo, who is widely regarded as one of the best left-back's in world football, joined AC Milan from Olympique de Marseille this summer, and has made eight appearances in all competitions to date this term, including four in the Champions League. An expert from dead-ball situations, Taiwo - who will wear the number 34 shirt - has 48 international caps to his name for his native Nigeria. He said: "It's a new and exciting challenge for me and one I am very much looking forward to. "I'm very grateful to Mark Hughes for bringing me here. It is always nice for a player when you know the Manager wants you and I will repay his faith in me. "I can't wait to play for the Club. "I know only hard work, good performance, dedication, and passion will connect me with the fans but I'm prepared. "I'm looking forward to what lies ahead and I'm prepared to give my all to the QPR cause."
HUGHES: TAIWO SIGNING A COUP Mark Hughes has revealed his delight after finally securing the services of Taye Taiwo - at the third attempt. Hughes was keen on the Nigerian left-back while managing both Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, and he told www.qpr.co.uk: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar. "I actually showed an interest in him while I was at Blackburn, but he was a little bit too expensive at the time. "He was also on my radar when I was at City, and we had an interest in him again but it didn't happen. "To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him. "He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality. "He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us." Taiwo, who was a regular during his six-year stint at French giants Marseille before his summer move to AC Milan, has shown a keenness which has impressed Hughes. "Taye is a very driven guy and his personality and character is very important to me," added the QPR boss. "He is desperate to play and I think that is one of the main reasons why he is here. He is used to playing week in, week out. "If you look at his playing record he has played a lot of games since he has been professional. "It is only this year that he lacked opportunities to play at AC Milan, which is a top, top Club." And despite this being Taiwo's first spell in English football, Hughes has no reservations about how he will settle on these shores. "I don't have any concerns about that," he added. "He speaks perfect English as do his children and I am sure they are looking forward to coming here." Hughes believes his previous keenness on Taiwo may have helped attract the 26 year-old to W12. "He knew of my interest in him in the past and maybe that was a factor," he added. "He seems very motivated to come in and do well. He said he wants to show people what he is about." And R's fans could be in for a treat when it comes to set-pieces, with Taiwo regarded as a dead-ball specialist. "He is a big powerful guy who likes to take free-kicks," confirmed Hughes. "I am sure we will enjoy him having big run-ups and lashing the ball at goal - hopefully some of them will go in."
He takes the left footed ones and Buz the right footed. It also puts doubt into the goalies mind as well if both of them line up for taking them.
should be fun watching a nigerian, a hungarian and a moroccan trying to grab the ball every time we get a free kick
Have you seen the size of him, no way Taarabt will argue with him. Taarabt shouldnt be anywhere near the FKs now if Buz and Taiwo are playing. Now we need a CB or 2, a CM and a CF and that should keep us up.
Great minds, Hammersmith! Anyone know what his disciplinary record is like? I've seen some of his performances and he is a very powerful player. Wonder how the PL referees will take to his style of play; hopefully firm but fair.
If he can handle the non contact italian league, I think he will be fine here. Im sure he will clatter a few players to let them know hes there.
He's still waiting for a work visa but could be playing against Chelscum if it comes through. Great signing, looks like a cheeky chappy on the offish interview. Movement at last.
He does look and sound like a great character. Exactly what we need. pacy and built like a brick danny ****tu house
