Football Season Guide

QPR return to the top flight after a 15-year hiatus, having led the promotion race from the front in the Championship last season. The Hoops’ success was based upon a combination of defensive nous, instilled by manager Neil Warnock and the unfettered creativity of Adel Taarabt in offensive midfield. After being linked to a move away from Loftus Road, the Moroccan seems to be destined to stay this season, which would come as a huge relief for the fans. When QPR were taken over by two deep-pocketed sports entrepreneurs, Bernie Ecclestonne and Flavio Briatore, four years ago, and England’s richest man, Lakshmi Mittal, came in with a stake in the club, they were hoping for a return of the glory days at Loftus Road when they eventually returned to the top flight. Instead, Warnock has been given precious little funds to make the jump to the higher echelon. In fact, the West London outfit have been conspicuous by their absence on the transfer market until the signing of DJ Campbell. The former Blackpool forward does look like a great addition to theattack, along with Cardiff’s Jay Bothroyd, and both should form a decent strike force with Patrick Agyemang upfront. Warnock has also taken a bit of a gamble on Kieron Dyer. If he manages to stay fit, the former England man could be a great asset in midfield alongside the talented Alejandro Faurlin. Danny Gabbidon is also on the roster on a free transfer to give some Premiership pedigree to a defence comprising the likes of Kaspar Goss, Matthew Connolly, Bradley Orr, Fitz Hall and Danny Shittu. Warnock seems likely to keep his faith in Paddy Kenny in goal. The former Sheffield United boss usually plays an old fashioned counterattack game with long balls and will need all his experience to steer the Hoops to safety this season.