QPR's Tony Fernandes changes policy on Harry Redknapp future

HARRY REDKNAPP will stay in charge of QPR even if they suffer relegation from the Premier League under a "different approach" to management, insists Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes.

Redknapp took over at Loftus Road in late 2012 when Mark Hughes was sacked following a string of poor performances.

The former Spurs boss was unable to keep QPR up, taking them down to the Championship, but responded with promotion on the first time of asking.

And, according to Fernandes, the knee-jerk reaction of other chairman to sack out-of-form managers is not a solution he favours after witnessing the fall-out from Hughes' departure.

“I think we’ve made our mind up to stick – we’ll just stick with Harry come what may," Fernandes told The Guardian. "We want stability, we want players to know he’s the manager. A different approach, I think.

“My whole life’s been stability. People who have worked with me have for a long time.

“I don’t believe football clubs can be any different.

QPR sit 12th in the Premier League after claiming their first win of the season at home to Sunderland last weekend.

And despite scoring just one goal from four games this campaign, Fernandes points to examples of managerial longevity as the reason behind his decision to stick with Redknapp, come what may.

“You only have to look at the most successful football clubs – Matt Busby, Bob Paisley, Alex Ferguson, they were all at their clubs for a long time. That’s a business principle that works," he said.

Article @ http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/507776/QPR-s-Tony-Fernandes-changes-policy-on-Harry-Redknapp-future

QPR target Defoe could leave Toronto

Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has refused to rule out the possibility of QPR target Jermain Defoe making an imminent move back to the Premier League.

The former Tottenham striker has reportedly drawn interest from QPR and Bezbatchenko admitted that there have been talks between Toronto and an unidentified club.

"As far as I'm concerned, Jermain Defoe is with TFC," Bezbatchenko said on Sunday. "It's important for Jermain to be here, because he is a great player. But if things change then we'll adjust.

"We receive offers all the time, especially for a player like Jermain.

"We have received an offer and we have discussed it internally. I think that when you score as many goals as he has and you have the reputation and background that he has it's not uncommon to receive these offers.

"We've received, actually, multiple offers before over the course of this year. So I want to confirm that we're in talks, but we have a relationship with Jermain too. We're speaking with him and no decisions have been made.

"We'll discuss it over the next 24 hours."

Defoe has scored 11 goals in 16 MLS games with Toronto, but has also missed considerable time due to injury. In addition to a sports hernia that he is receiving treatment for in England, the 31-year-old sat out the entire month of April with a hamstring injury.

Defoe signed a four-year deal with Toronto in January after leaving White Hart Lane and has previously worked under QPR manager Harry Redknapp in his days at West Ham and Spurs.

By Rudi Schuller

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2014/09/01/5074529/-?

Redknapp on thin ice at QPR

The end of the road – the Loftus Road – must surely be coming soon for Harry Redknapp.

Queens Park Rangers’ disastrous start to the season took a new, depressing twist this week when the Premier League club outfit was knocked out of the Capital One Cup by fourth-tier Burton Albion, losing 1-0 in a second round tie.

That followed defeats to Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur to leave the Malaysian-owned club in last place on the table with a minus-5 goal difference, having failed to score in three games in different competitions to start the season.

Owner Tony Fernandes made the mistake of taking too long to act after QPR’s winless start to the 2012-13 campaign, only sacking Mark Hughes at the end of November. He had garnered just four points from a possible 48, with eight league defeats, to sit at the foot of the table.

Ironically, it was Redknapp who took over from Hughes, with an air of optimism around West London, given his relative success at Tottenham Hotspur over the previous four seasons.

He initially improved things with some encouraging results into the New Year, but was ultimately unable to keep the Super Hoops in the top flight.

Now it is Redknapp who needs to stand aside to let a new man – ideally a manager familiar with rescue missions like Tony Pulis – to turn a flailing side around.

And that could mean retirement for the 67-year-old, who admitted that he would have wandered off into the footballing sunset if QPR hadn’t earned promotion in May by winning the Championship Play-off final against Derby County.

Redknapp has had an excellent managerial career and did well to bring the R’s back into the promised land of the Premier League at the first attempt.

But, clearly, he is now struggling to get the best out of his squad. And, given the number of fading veterans who are still earning generous wages, he is making some of the same mistakes as his predecessor.

QPR were woeful against his former club, Spurs, last Sunday, playing, as Redknapp so succinctly put it, “like a bunch of strangers”. The 4-0 defeat at White Hart Lane might have been 7-0 or 8-0, given the number of chances that the Lilywhites enjoyed.

The 3-5-2 system that QPR adopted, with 35-year-old Rio Ferdinand and 34-year-old Richard Dunne as two of the back three, was repeatedly exposed. Redknapp blamed a lack of energy from his players, rather than any tactical mistake, on the formation’s failure.

It is too early to make any definitive call on the addition of Ferdinand to the club’s defensive stocks, but the early omens are certainly not good for the former Manchester United stalwart.

Joey Barton is another man capped by his country who used to ply his trade in Manchester. Barton turns 33 next week and now looks horribly out of his depth at this level.

As outstanding as he was last season in the Championship, Barton clearly has seen better days in the heart of QPR’s engine room.

Redknapp made nine changes for the Cup tie at Burton Albion and yet the performance was arguably worse, given that they were facing a League Two side with a fraction of the budget.

Adel Taarabt huffed and puffed as he made his first appearance in 16 months after loan spells at Fulham and AC Milan. It seems a long time ago when the Moroccan first played for the club after failing to crack a first-team spot at Tottenham in 2009.

While Taarabt was one of QPR’s better players on a depressing night in Staffordshire, Shaun Wright-Phillips may have been disappointed with his contribution after he was given a rare start.

How far a one-time Chelsea and Manchester City starlet has fallen. Remember this is a man who was part of England’s 2010 World Cup squad, earning 36 caps for his country and lighting up stadiums around the world with his pace and dribbling skills. Yet since signing with QPR three years ago, he has scored a solitary league goal in 63 matches.

The reality is that the likes of Wright-Phillips, Ferdinand, Barton and Dunne aren’t going to keep Rangers in the Premier League, just as Park Ji-Sung, Jose Bosingwa and Christopher Samba couldn’t prevent relegation two years ago.

No doubt that Redknapp will be looking to bring in more seasoned campaigners before the transfer window closes on Monday. But how much of a difference will they make to the newly promoted side?

Happy ‘Arry went so close to landing the England coaching job in 2012, and has had more successes than failures in his rollercoaster 30-year coaching career. But it does seem now that he’s run out of ideas and enthusiasm.

Tony Fernandes needs to make a big decision sooner rather than later to replace Redknapp. A tough-love approach from a manager in the mould of Pulis, with a younger, workmanlike team is what’s needed now in Shepherd’s Bush, not a bunch of well-known former internationals clearly past their prime.

BY JASON DASEY

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/08/29/Redknapp-on-thin-ice-at-QPR-London-clubs-poor-start-to-the-season-adds-pressure-on-manager/?

QPR boss Harry Redknapp hopeful of TRIPLE SWOOP

HARRY REDKNAPP hopes to pull off a hat-trick of new signings this week.

The QPR boss is set to complete the £7m transfer of Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer in the next 24 hours.

Dutchman Fer was at Loftus Road for a medical yesterday and has agreed terms on a three-year contract.

But the spending will not stop there with Napoli striker Eduardo Vargas flying in for talks over a season-long loan move.

Vargas starred for Chile at the World Cup and will have a medical later today, with an agreement close.

Redknapp also wants to bring Niko Kranjcar, who was on loan at QPR last season, back to the club from Dynamo Kiev.

The Rangers boss said: "We're talking about Niko. It's a possibility. Fer would be an outstanding signing. He has great physique and is box to box.

"Vargas is a quality player who can play up front or as a No 10 and we're hoping we can bring him in. We've followed him for a while."

By Paul Brown

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/395318/QPR-boss-Harry-Redknapp-hopeful-of-TRIPLE-SWOOP

Harry Redknapp lifts the lid on QPR’s team spirit

Harry Redknapp. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Harry Redknapp has admitted he would rather quit than manage “a bunch of toe-rags”, targeting team spirit as central to QPR’s Premier League survival mission.

Promoted Rangers open their league campaign by hosting Hull City at Loftus Road on Saturday, with the Rangers boss hailing the club’s dressing-room atmosphere.

And he believes QPR are far better equipped to cope with Premier League life after one term out of the top-flight.

“Coming up last year lifted everyone’s spirits,” said Redknapp.

“I think any manager, you walk in and get people you know will be good lads, want to play and do a good job.

“You bring in good lads that won’t be a minute’s problem.

“I think all you want every day when you come to work, you want to come in and see a good bunch of lads.

“You don’t want to walk in and see a bunch of toe-rags, life’s too short, I’d rather pack up and go home.

“If someone’s getting 35 or 40 grand a week and moaning every day, I don’t need that.

“These lads, I look forward to seeing them, and that’s what keeps me going.”

http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/qpr/harry_redknapp_lifts_the_lid_on_qpr_s_team_spirit_1_3729490

QPR keen on Song!

Queens Park Rangers have made a stunning offer for Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, Daily Star reports.

Harry Redknapp is keen to keep QPR in the Premier League this year and is looking to bring the former Arsenal man to Loftus Road this summer.

The QPR manager believes Song is the perfect player to strengthen his side’s midfield, and is hoping that a loan move will convince the La Liga outfit to let him leave for a year.

However, it is believed Barca prefer to sell the Cameroonian international outright, with several clubs also interested in the 26-year-old’s services.

AC Milan, Inter Milan and Liverpool are all monitoring the situation, with Manchester United also pondering a swoop in the case they fail to sign Juventus’ Arturo Vidal.

Song moved to Barcelona on a £15million fee after starring in the Gunners’ midfield, in which he provided 11 league assists during his final season.

However, like Cesc Fabregas, Song has found it difficult to break into the Baulgrauna first team with the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets ahead of him in the pecking order.

New Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has already deemed Song surplus to requirements, and is expected to leave the Nou Camp before the transfer window closes this month.

http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/qpr-launch-stunning-offer-to-sign-former-arsenal-star-from-barcelona?

Queens Park Rangers target £10m move for Tottenham’s Andros Townsend

Andros Townsend is wanted by QPR (Picture: Reuters)

QPR are set to make a £10m bid for Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend, according to reports.

Rangers boss Harry Redknapp knows the 23-year-old from his time at White Hart Lane and took the youngster to Loftus Road on loan in 2013.

But Redknapp now appears to be keen on making a move permanent and is ready to test his former club’s resolve with a £10m bid, according to Goal.com.

Steven Caulker, Rio Ferdinand and Jordon Mutch have already joined the Hoops on permanent deals this summer, while Mauricio Isla has signed on a season-long loan from Juventus.

However, Redknapp is not yet finished in the transfer market and appears to have made Townsend his latest target.

Townsend enjoyed a storming start to last season, seeing him make his England debut, but injury and a loss of form scuppered the second-half of his campaign.

New Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be impressed by the winger and his attitude and may not be keen to allow him to leave.

But QPR are confident a £10m bid will be enough of a convincer.

http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/08/queens-park-rangers-target-10m-move-for-tottenhams-andros-townsend-4825896/?

Leyton Orient 2 - 2 QPR

Harry Redknapp's men conceded early on at Brisbane Road but got back into the game through the two midfielders, with goalkeeper Rob Green making a fine double save

Joey Barton and Junior Hoilett were on target as QPR played out an entertaining 2-2 friendly draw at Leyton Orient.

The Premier League new-boys were without new signing Rio Ferdinand at Brisbane Road and they fell behind after just 10 minutes.

Romain Vincelot glanced a superb header from Dean Cox's cross past QPR goalkeeper Rob Green to put the League One club ahead.

That goal was just reward for a strong start from the hosts but a moment of top-flight quality from Hoilett - making his first appearance of pre-season - brought Harry Redknapp's side level after 19 minutes. The former Blackburn Rovers man found some space around 25 yards from goal and gave Gary Woods no chance with a shot that arrowed into the bottom corner.

QPR began to control proceedings thereafter but Green was forced into a fine double save to keep them level at half-time.

And Orient were undone shortly after the restart, as Barton fired home a free kick to put the visitors into the lead.

However, Cox snatched a draw for Orient late on as he wriggled free in the box before slotting home.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3349/pre-season/2014/07/29/4991955/-?

Former QPR star set to make Loftus Road return?

Queens Park Rangers could be reunited with Niko Kranjcar next month – if the price is right.

The Croatia midfielder was on loan at the club last season from Dinamo Kiev and started their successful play-off final win before coming off injured just after the half-hour mark.

Now Rangers are back in the Premier League and Redknapp thinks the 29-year-old could add quality to his thin-looking squad.

“I like Niko. If he’s free,” Redknapp said.

“There’s a deal to be done with his club on his wages. He wants to come back here. He can play Premier League football, there’s no doubt about it. They’re the type of players we need – players with a bit of quality.

“They are still talking to his club. I think his agent is looking at it and can do a deal that suits the club. He would like to come and will take a massive drop in wages to come back here. He enjoys it and is a good lad."

At times during the demanding Championship season questions were asked about the playmaker's conditioning but Redknapp is confident he will be in good enough nick to help keep his side in the top flight.

When asked if Kranjcar would have to prove his fitness, Redknapp said: “No, not really. He needs to get him up and running but certainly his ability is not in question.

“If he comes back and gets in good shape he will be a big asset to us again.”

http://talksport.com/football/former-qpr-star-set-make-loftus-road-return-140728104182?

Frank Lampard reveals he rejected offer from uncle Harry Redknapp to sign for QPR before agreeing New York City deal

Frank Lampard has revealed that he rejected an offer from his uncle Harry Redknapp to join QPR before deciding to sign for New York City.

Lampard was unveiled in Brooklyn on Thursday after it was confirmed that the former Chelsea midfielder has agreed a two-year deal to play for the Manchester City owned club in Major League Soccer next season.

But the 36-year-old admitted that he and his father Frank Snr spoke with QPR boss Redknapp – who gave him a first-team break at West Ham in 1996 – about staying in the Premier League after he left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season.

‘We had some conversations and so did my dad,’ said Lampard. ‘I think my dad spoke to Harry quite a lot. But it wasn't really an option for me.

‘I had 13 years at Chelsea and it's something very dear to me, so it would have been difficult to play for a club so close. From that point of view coming out here to New York is a good option. It's a new start. 

‘I was aware before the World Cup that I was leaving Chelsea. I had a decision to make and I didn't want to make it during the World Cup, even though I was thinking about my future.

‘I’ve only made the decision very recently but I've been handed something which is an outstanding opportunity. 

‘There were other options, yes. Some in England, other parts of the world but this was the one that always stood out to me. The idea of coming to this city and playing for a new team with a really good vision for the future, it just made it easy for me. It wasn't a hard decision.’ 

Lampard is certain there will be an increasing trend of top players moving to MLS, and believes his old Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will approve of his decision.

‘Absolutely, the quality has grown and there are players from England and players from all around the world coming here,’ he added.

‘There are new clubs springing up like this one. Players like David Villa are coming in. You're hearing names linked with clubs here all the time and it's a very attractive option for players to come and play here.

‘I haven't spoken to Jose that much about it but he'll understand why I've done it. He loves coming out here for pre-season. Maybe he'll come out and have a game against us, he'd get that for sure. 

‘But this was a decision for me to take, nobody else. And I know it's the right one. I'm sure Jose will respect my decision. He'll support me no matter what. Wherever I'm playing we'll always be close. Even if we're far away, I'll still admire him and support Chelsea.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2704798/Frank-Lampard-reveals-rejected-offer-uncle-Harry-Redknapp-sign-QPR-agreeing-New-York-City-deal.html#ixzz38SUF6MSa

QPR after Eto'o?

Harry Redknapp is looking to add Samuel Eto’o to his list of transfer targets as he aims to keep his newly promoted side in the English Premier League, Mirror reports.

The 33-year-old is now a free agent after playing out his Chelsea contract but is keen on remaining in London as well as in the English top flight.

His agent, Claudio Vigorelli, is already on his way to negotiate a deal with QPR but is believed to be needing to take a huge pay-cut to join Rednapp’s side.

Before the potential move to the club, he was also linked with a move to Arsenal just so that he could prove Jose Mourinho wrong after their relationship broke down over a comment the manager made regarding his age.

The Hoops are already building a strong squad, especially in defence after they announced the signing of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand as well as Cardiff City centre-back Steven Caulker.

http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/qpr-plan-shock-offer-for-former-barcelona-and-chelsea-star?