Wales star Danny Gabbidon excited by Premier League challenge at QPR

Wales star Danny Gabbidon excited by Premier League challenge at QPR
WalesOnline
Aug 5 2011
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Danny Gabbidon is looking forward to a fresh start with QPR and believes the club can stave off relegation on their return to the Barclays Premier League.

The R’s won the npower Championship under manager Neil Warnock last season to secure a return to the top flight after a 15-year absence.

The former Sheffield United boss has kept the crux of his title-winning side intact and has brought in four new signings so far this summer, including former West Ham defender Gabbidon.

The Wales international admits there was interest from a lot of other clubs but was swayed by the ambition of Warnock and the club.

“I wasn’t too bothered about being in London, I was keen to go wherever I needed to really,” he told Press Association Sport,

“After meeting the manager and seeing what he had to say – and the club obviously did really well last season – I just thought it would be a good challenge for me.

“I’d had five years at West Ham and there was up and downs there. My contract finished there and I was looking for a fresh start and a new challenge somewhere else.

“I liked how the manager spoke and what he had to say about the club and what he wanted to do.

“I just kind of felt it would be a good option for me so I went there and trained with them for a week.

“I think they were quite happy with what they saw as well so it was good to sign on the dotted line.”

Gabbidon has been with the club for two weeks now and has been impressed with what he has seen from his new team-mates.

“I don’t see why we cannot stay up,” he said. “Confidence and hunger goes a long way in a team.

“QPR had a good season last year and they will be looking to take that on so the confidence is already there.

“A lot of the players have not played in the Premier League before so that hunger to do well will go a long way.

“Then if you add the quality we have got to that then I don’t see why we cannot stay up.

“Obviously we will have to try and get off to a good start as that always helps.

“Don’t get me wrong, it is going to be a tough season but there is no reason why we can’t do well.

“The start is very important and if we can get off well and make our stadium a bit of a fortress then it will go a long way.

“We’re all looking forward to it and I think we can do something good.”

QPR announced their fourth signing of the summer yesterday, with Blackpool striker DJ Campbell joining the club on a two-year deal.

Wantaway Southampton winger Jason Puncheon is expected to be the next player to join Warnock’s side and Gabbidon believes the pair have the mental needed to push the squad forward.

“I know DJ Campbell and I think he showed last season that he is more than capable of playing in the Premier League,” he added.

“He scored goals and did really well and I’ve seen Puncheon play quite a lot of times and I quite like him as a player as well.”



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footba...allenge-at-qpr-91466-29185072/?#ixzz1UACV9FTR

 

He will at least be keen. Getting relagated two seasons on the spin can't be good for anyone's rep (although Avram Grant seems to keep on finding new jobs).

 

Bothroyd apart, none of these new signings suited any of us a month or two back. Seems to be coming together better now (thank God). Wouldn't mind getting Puncheon either - but just not at the cost of Gorkss.

 

interesting that gabbiodon mention puncheon.obviously a strong possibility then.not sure hes better than what we have already.especialy not at expence of gorkss