Football Season Guide

QPR are back in the big time after just a season spent in the Championship. In truth, they did not really merit their promotion as the play-off final by Derby County was fully dominated by the Rams and they should have run out very comfortable winners. Yet, Rangers struck right at the death to nick a 1:0 win and thus completed a straight return to the Premier League. Harry Redknapp will be hailed as the difference maker but he had the best squad in the Championship last season and still could not get at least a second place in the table. He has been rather limited in his approach to games and will need to up his managerial game by more than a notch for QPR not to suffer another disappointing relegation this season. Of course, with Tony Fernandes splashing the cash again, the Hoops have more than a fair chance to beat the drop and have already signed some impressive players. By far their most eye-catching capture is that of Mauricio Isla. The Juventus wing-back has been lured on a loan deal for a season but he does not really deserve to play at such a low-level club. He is a player of genuine quality and it beggars belief that clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United or Arsenal did not push for him given that he was available on loan. The defence will have a new look this season too as Rio Ferdinand arrives from Manchester United and Steven Caulker will be his partner. The latter may have suffered relegation last season but he is a fine defender with good presence and will certainly make a good pair with Ferdinand, if the veteran stays fit. There is lack of quality in midfield and attack, however, even though the signing of Jordon Mutch from Cardiff is a good piece of business. QPR are bound to sign a few more players before the end of August and will have a different look in a month’s time but the current crop of players faces a serious challenge in beating the drop and will definitely have to raise their game in the upcoming campaign.