Mackie Moves On

JAMIE Mackie has signed for Nottingham Forest after handing in a transfer request at Queens Park Rangers.

A fee of around £1m was agreed for the hard-working forward, who made himself a firm fans’ favourite in three years at Loftus Road.

His explosive start fired Neil Warnock’s QPR into pole position in the Championship, culminating in QPR’s promotion in 2011. Despite suffering a broken leg halfway through the season, the impetus set by his early flurry helped Rangers over the line.

His goal against Liverpool in a last gasp 3-2 win at Loftus Road was a memory to cherish for many supporters, while his approach to the game was a rare glimmer of light in an otherwise vastly disappointing 2012-13 season.

He became a bit-part player under Harry Redknapp’s guidance, Redknapp electing for a 4-4-2 with Mackie fitting neither the wide role, nor the centre forward berth.

His departure will be a blow to some, but there will be some detractors that say you can’t get by on work rate alone. His contribution will not be forgotten and I’m sure Nottingham Forest fans will warm to Mackie instantly.