Jim Smith has decided against making a return to Loftus Road as Director of Football following the suspension of Ian Holloway.
Ollie, placed on ?gardening leave? yesterday, is highly unlikely to return to the club and with Gary Waddock now in temporary charge of first-team affairs, Gianni Paladini moved in for Smith as his director.
Smith (65) and Paladini are close friends and spent yesterday exploring the options available to Smith to return to Rangers as Holloway?s replacement.
Thankfully Smith has now turned down the chance, admitting the job was not for him. He said:
?There have been talks and I’ve decided things are not right for me there at the moment.
‘It’s been a very hard decision for me. I more or less said ‘yes’ to QPR and then I’ve had to say ‘no’ – it’s that close and I feel a bit sad about it but I just felt it wasn’t right.
‘I’ve never wanted to be a director of football in my life. I don’t even know what he does.’
‘I’m not going to be involved there.’
‘It’s a funny life. There are no buses then suddenly three come at once.’
Smith has been linked with jobs at League 2 Bristol Rovers and Oxford United recently but now looks unlikely to be returning to West London.
Waddock yesterday admitted to the QPR website that he was going to give the team a complete overhaul whilst he?s in charge, with the style of play the main difference.
Speaking to the official website after his first training session in charge he said:
‘It’s been a hectic morning, I spoke to the players regarding the situation then we split the lads into two groups. The guys who played on Saturday did a cool down and then a weights session with Scott Rushton. The other group played in a football session overseen by myself and Joe Gallen.’
‘I also spoke to many of the senior players on a one to one basis to get my points across.’
‘I’m a nice guy and I’m an honest guy and I know I’ll only keep eleven players happy. I’m here to do a job, I’m a professional person and I will get the players and the team ready that will win the next match for the club. Yes I will have to make hard decisions but I am not frightened or afraid to make them.’
‘The style of play will change overnight. Everyone has their own football philosophy and I have mine.’
‘I want the players to be able to express themselves and enjoy the style of play. We will pass it and there will be lots of movement.’
‘I want them to be creative and express themselves as well .I will encourage them to play out from the back but I’m not naive, I know we also need to get results – but with a certain brand of football.
‘Everyone starts from scratch today. Some senior players will play play for the reserves tomorrow in order to help with their fitness ahead of Saturday’s game.?
‘I will need the crowds help and support. I want my team to excite them and get the noise back to Loftus Road. When it’s in full voice it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and I want it to be our fortress.’
Joe Gallen has been placed in charge of the reserve team ahead of tonight?s fixture at Woking.
Waddock will also be in attendance as a strong squad makes the short distance, kick off is at 7pm.
The team to play Woking tonight is: Thomas, Ukah, Milanese, Bircham, Evatt, Munday, Donnelly, Bailey, Youssouf, Baidoo, Doherty
ubs: Yelland, Johnson, Ngongou, Bernard, Sappleton
For full details of this afternoon?s press conference stay tuned toVITAL QPR- VITAL NEWS FOR VITAL SUPPORTERS.
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