Queens Park Rangers Odds: 150/1 Last Five Seasons 2005/06 - 21 (Championship), 2004/05 - 11 (Championship), 2003/04 - 2 (League One, Promoted), 2002/03 - 4 (League One), 2001/02 - 8 (League One). 2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup Third Round vs Blackburn Rovers (a) - lost 3-0. Carling Cup First Round vs Northampton Town (a) - lost 3-0. Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Marc Nygaard (striker) and Gareth Ainsworth (midfield) - 9 goals. Players In Damion Stewart (Harbour View - Free), Nick Ward (Perth Glory - Free), Egutu Oliseh (La Louviere - Free), Armel Tchakounte (Unattached - Free), Adam Czerkas (Odra Wodzislaw - Loan). Players Out Richard Langley (Luton Town - Free), Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster Harriers - Free), Ugo Ukah (Nourese Calcio - Free), Georges Santos (Released), Ryan Johnson (Released), Sammy Youssouf (Released), Luke Townsend (Released). Queens Park Rangers finished one place above the bottom three last season but were eight points clear of their nearest rival, third from bottom Crewe Alexandra. Gary Waddock replaces former manager Ian Holloway, having taken over the post full time after being placed in temporary charge from February until the end of last season. Waddock has had to work on a limited budget despite Premiership interest for defender Danny Shittu. Chairman Gianni Paladini insists he will not accept less than 3 million, the amount which will trigger a release clause in the centre back's contract. Watford have had a bid rejected while Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion have both shown interest in the former Charlton Athletic player who moved to Loftus Road for 350,000 in 2002. Despite a lack of transfer money available, Waddock has signed several players to boost the squad next season. Jamaican defender Damion Stewart, who made over 25 appearances for Bradford City on loan last season, joined Rangers on a free transfer from Harbour View. Cameroon international midfielder Armel Tchakounte, who spent time training at Loftus Road last season, also signed a permanent contract. Polish striker Adam Czerkas signed a one year loan deal from Odra Wodzislaw which will become permanent at the end of the season, while Nick Ward and Egutu Oliseh have both signed permanent two year contracts. Australian Ward, who has represented his country at under 20 level, signed on a free transfer from Perth Glory, while Oliseh spent the last campaign at Belgian outfit La Louviere following spells with four French sides. Verdict Manager Gary Waddock could be up against it in his first season in charge at Loftus Road. There is a lack of goals in the side and his new signings are mainly untested in English football. The 5/2 on relegation could be worth taking, considering Rangers only finished just above the drop zone last season. |
