Journalist David McIntyre gives his views about the new season to Vital QPR.
David is a journalist who has covered QPR in the national and local press since 1999, and is a regular feature in the press box at Loftus Road.
Here he gives his views to Vital QPR admitting that the unpredictable nature of the R`s could see them finish almost anywhere this season.
How do you rate Rangers’ performance last season?
On the pitch, pretty good all things considered. Sousa, Ainsworth and especially Dowie did well to keep Rangers away from trouble given the circus going on around them.
What was your stand out moment?
A 20-minute spell at Swindon when Emmanuel Ledesma rat riot. At times he reminded me of Roy Wegerle on his debut years back.
How do you feel about the appointment of Jim Magilton?
It`s good news for Rangers. He knows the division and has a fantastic chemistry with John Gorman, who could be a real asset.
Do you feel Rangers have strengthened adequately?
Of course not. This is Rangers we`re talking about.
It`s almost impossible to spend the kind of money QPR have in the last two years and not improve the squad, but the club`s dismal transfer policy means they`ve spent a fortune yet are still looking for players in key areas.
I never agreed with the almost unanimous view that Rangers needed a striker. They only need one because they`ve let Blackstock go. I felt Rangers needed a goalkeeper and a centre-back to replace Cerny and Stewart if they were to improve. They haven`t done that and now also need a replacement for Delaney, because Borrowdale isn`t good enough.
Who will be the key player(s) for the R`s this season?
Adel Taarabt.
Buzsaky is still Rangers` best player but Taarabt is a key man because as well as being talented and great to watch, he could be tough to manage if he doesn`t get his own way. He could be a star in that division but if it doesn`t work out, the dressing room might not be a happy place by October or November.
Where do you expect the R`s to finish this season?
No idea. Last year I was pretty confident in writing off Rangers` chances, but now I`m not sure.
It really could go either way and if the antics of last season are repeated, I wouldn`t rule out a relegation battle or worse. There`s so much wrong at the club and the playing side is always likely to be affected – no matter how much is spent or what players are signed.
But I still feel that QPR are the one side that would take some stopping if they could just build up a head of steam.. The question is whether that will ever happen. There are some signs that it actually could this season, but it`s early days.
If I had to make a prediction, I`d go for around eighth. But there hasn`t been a season like this before; one where I wouldn`t be surprised if Rangers went up and would be even less surprised if they went down. There`s the potential for either to happen. It`s a real crossroads moment for the club.
Championship – Who will be?
Champions: Nottingham Forest
Overachievers: Doncaster, but QPR might surprise people if they can start well.
Underachievers: Middlesbrough
Young Player to Watch: Connor Wickham (Ipswich)
Top Goalscorer: Ched Evans
Many thanks to David for taking the time to contribute
Other Previews
Mike – QPR Report
Clive Whittingham – Loft For Words
Scott Jones – We are the Rangers Boys
Bill Power – Former Chairman
Longegunmen – QPR Fanz
Ben Kosky – Kilburn Times
Dave Barton – queensparkrangersfc.com
Liam Osborne – QPR MAD
Paul Finney- Independent R`s
Drew Garro – qprdot.org
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