Focus on signing dressing room leaders positive for QPR

Eye-brow raising links to former Barcelona star Javier Saviola aside, the majority of rumours around players incoming at Loftus Road this summer suggest a more realistic approach to the task at hand than utilised during last season’s doomed Premier League campaign.

Saviola managed eight goals in 27 league appearances at Malaga last season, but they were not enough to stop him being released by the cash-strapped Spaniards and a deal for the Argentinean ex-Barcelona striker smacks of one of chairman Tony Fernandes’ Football Manager-inspired brainwaves.

However, Harry Redknapp seems keener to build a core of home nations players and the signings of Richard Dunne and Danny Simpson on free transfers from Aston Villa and Newcastle respectively in recent weeks are indicative of a manager keen to keep it real.

Rumours that the acquisitions of Scott Parker and Peter Crouch are high on Redknapp’s agenda may do nothing for the average age of the Super Hoops squad, but they have something in common with the two in the previous paragraph, particularly Dunne.

The Irishman – along with Parker and Crouch – has a profound wealth of experience at the top level and has been a productive member of a fair few squads during his career.

Last season the public were led to believe that deep divisions existed within the squad Redknapp inherited and the signings of respected senior pros, internationals and all round good eggs should have a positive effect on the dressing room.

That the R’s boss has pinpointed a dramatic improvement in professionalism and team spirit was made clear when he sent Adel Taraabt home from the club’s pre-season training camp in Devon for turning up late to a friendly match.

QPR are currently 5/1 and 13/8 favourites to claim the Championship title and gain promotion respectively and although both prices still seem a little on the stingy side given the fraught manner of their Premier League demise, Redknapp’s latest signings offer hope of a more honest approach next season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.