While most of us have already mentally relegated Queens Park Rangers to the Championship, R’s boss Harry Redknapp now believes his side are in need of a “miracle” following yesterday’s 2-0 home loss to Stoke City.
In 19th place and ten points shy of 17th place Aston Villa, Redknapp was hoping his side could produce 15 points in five matches and save the club from demotion. But it was not to be as his old friend Peter Crouch struck for Stoke late in the first half before a second half Jon Walters penalty sealed the Potters victory.
The loss keeps QPR ten points from safety with only 12 to play and prompted Redknapp to admit: “It will take a miracle now. It looks almost impossible for us now, for sure. It’s a huge disappointment.” While not yet mathematically eliminated, if any results go against the West London club, the relegation axe will fall.
Despite the club’s liberal spending in the summer and winter transfer windows, Redknapp bemoaned his side’s absence of talent. “We had a go, but maybe we are short of that bit of quality needed in this league.” The former Tottenham boss also pointed to the suspension of Bobby Zamora and injuries to Andros Townsend and Adel Taarabt as deciding factors in Saturday’s loss.
The impending relegation raises flags as to Redknapp’s future at the club. “I’m not in a position to say where I manage but this is a good club,” he insisted. “I’ve said many times the owners are genuinely nice people . . . . It’s just a shame, after the money they invested in the summer to try build a team to do well, that it has not worked out. I don’t regret taking the job one bit. I’ve enjoyed it.”
Since Redknapp’s arrival last November, QPR has managed only four victories, two of which have come at Loftus Road ensuring the R’s the worst home record in the country. If the Hoops are relegated they will be returning to the Championship after just two seasons of top flight football.
The drop will force Tony Fernandes’ club to try and sell the majority of its prized assets, including Julio Cesar, Chris Samba, Stephane M’Bia, Loic Remy, Taraabt, David Hoilett and Jose Boswinga. The problem, however, is that QPR will be hard-pressed to find suitors willing to pay the grossly inflated wages of players who, but for Remy and Taraabt, are not highly rated properties.
