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Routledge Wings In To QPR

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The deal that had been rumoured for so long (weren`t QPR first linked with Wayne Routledge in last summer?) has finally happened, to the great delight of Rs` boss Paulo Sousa.

Sousa told www.QPR.co.uk that he believed QPR had pulled off a major coup in obtaining the young winger`s services. “He is a young, exciting talent, who is very capable at this level. He`s quick, can score and create goals, and will add to the already healthy competition we have in the wide areas.”

Having today secured the long-term services of both Heidar Helguson and Gary Borrowdale, Sousa was delighted to add Routledge`s signature to the growing QPR “family”. Routledge has signed a 3 ½ year deal with the Hoops, prompting Sousa to add: “He is a player we can count on for our long term project.”

After the Watford game last weekend, Sousa spoke about wanting to bring in players who would enable him to change both systems and dynamics so that our opponents could be surprised by our different tactics; much like Preston were surprised when we went 3-4-3 in the final 10 minutes a few weeks ago, which change ultimately won us the game.

In speaking about Wayne Routledge, Sousa told www.QPR.co.uk: “His versatility will allow us to play with other dynamics. I love to see my wingers attack their full-backs and Wayne fits perfectly into that mould.”

Routledge himself spoke to www.QPR.co.uk after he had dotted the I`s and crossed the t`s on his new contract: “QPR are a Club with huge ambitions and as soon as they showed their interest in me, I was determined to speak to them.”

The truth behind Routledge`s words can be found in the words of Cardiff City chairman, Peter Ridsdale, who earlier today admitted defeat in keeping the winger with the Bluebirds: “We spoke to Villa and ? felt that it was pretty close so that wasn`t the issue. The issue was the lad himself wanted to go.

“We offered him a three-and-a-half year contract ? and all week he had been stalling on whether to accept. That told me he was in two minds?


Routledge was clearly impressed with Paulo Sousa: “The Manager has a great vision about where he wants to take the Club and he sees me playing a big part in that.”

In Ridsdale`s mind, he wondered if the fact that Rangers are based in London, from where Routledge hails (well, ok Sidcup – but that`s nearer London than Cardiff is!!). “Maybe it wasn`t money,” he suggested, “maybe it was geography.”

But Routledge was quick to dismiss that geography had anything to do with his decision to join the Hoops: “The reason I am here is because the Manager showed an unbelievable desire to get me to QPR and I am delighted to have sealed the move.”

Routledge will sport the number 7 shirt and is set to be introduced to the QPR faithful tomorrow afternoon, prior to kick-off in our FA Cup match against Burnley. That suggests to me, though, that he will not feature for us tomorrow, despite having signed in time to do so, should Sousa wish it!

In the meantime, I am sure that all Rs fans will join me in welcoming Wayne Routledge to the growing QPR family.

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TOP STORIES

Official! Routledge is a Ranger.

Helguson`s a Hoop.

Borrowdale Joins Rs.




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