As we look ahead to the visit of Queens Park Rangers to Selhurst Park, we had a chat with the guys from Vital QPR about their season so far and their hopes for the run in. You can view their website here.
Q. How has your return to the Premier League treated you so far?
We were under no illusions it was going to be tough this season and it has certainly lived up to expectations. Given the way we stumbled over the line last season, albeit in spectacular fashion, I do not think as supporters we expected anything less than to have to grit our teeth and try and get through the season unscathed.
The home form has been a delight, Loftus Road can be a difficult place to play your football when the home support is in full flow. The away form has been a disaster and was never really addressed until the change in management.
Q. Was it the right decision for Harry Redknapp to quit when he did and who do you expect to take over in the summer if of course it is not Chris Ramsey?
The timing irks me a lot it must be said. If you take Redknapp at face value, there was not a question of timing, just that he physically could not continue. I cannot quite take him at his word a day after a fruitless window in which he chased big-named shadows and refused to strengthen where we desperately required numbers, particularly in defence.
As a consequence he left QPR with a severely depleted back line while he chased Roy of the Rovers up front. It would appear that his resignation due to injury was nothing more than the actions of a petulant child that did not get his way. That is unless you take him at face value.
I think we may have more options that you might think. Paul Clement will be an option if Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid ends in tears, while Michael Laudrup may also become free in the summer. It could prove to be a smart move delaying for a greater long-term gain.
Q. Is the much publicised problems with FFP that QPR face a concern for fans?
From my perspective not especially. We have an owner that can be accused of being naïve, but he will always put his hand in his pocket, even if it is to rectify his own shortcomings. We gambled, we lost, we learn. If there is a fine to be paid, Mr Fernandes will pay it. He has demonstrated his commitment, and I am sure will continue to do so.
Q. Did the club do enough business in the January transfer window in your opinion?
In a word, no. As mentioned earlier we were busy chasing the goose that lays the golden egg and in the end came away very empty-handed. Mauro Zarate on the face of it would seem reasonable business but his fitness levels are that appalling he cannot get on the bench as things stand.
Trying to send him back on deadline day in an attempt to sign Matt Jarvis rather told you what a shambles the management team made of the window, chasing shadows without shopping in the correct stores.
Q. Charlie Austin has been a real shining light for you this season. Is he your player of the season?
Without question. How he has managed to score fifteen goals so far this season is incredible when you consider our plight. He continues to improve and impress me, adding goals from the edge of the area and useful hold of play to his game.
Harry Kane has scored lots of goals this season, but I do not think he would be able to do the same job as Charlie who creates his own opportunities and has single handedly kept us in with a shout of safety.
Q. What do you expect between now and the end of the season?
I expect us to struggle in honesty. We need to pick up points away from home against the teams around us, not something that we are typically good at, and eek some points out of the big guns at home. It is not impossible and while there is an achievable distance we will keep going. It is going to be a tough ask.
Q. Perhaps you could share your views on how you think Palace have done and which players concern you ahead of the game.
Palace have had another solid season, and they have known when to make the right decisions at the right times. You would be forgiven for thinking given Tony Pulis’ departure that the season could descend into anarchy.
Neil Warnock’s appointment was brave and even braver to sack him, but in Alan Pardew they have a happy man to have got away from his North East hell. I think he is a safe pair of hands to take Palace forward and become a mid-table team.
Pace and movement always worries me when I look at our back line so Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha are immediate concerns from a QPR perspective.
Q. Your prediction?
I have to be optimistic. I am going to say 2-1 QPR. Austin and Phillips with the goals.
