QPR: You can't blame Tony Fernandes for QPR's woes
It's been another average fortnight at Loftus Road. A host of profile signings joined Harry Redknapp's quest for survival. H's magic even persuaded a Premier League striker to have a night out in Shepherd's Bush. But, having sampled the bright lights, Peter Odemwingie was forced to settle for the home comforts of The Hawthorns.
The Odemwingie incident summed up Queens Park Rangers reintegration into top flight. The R's 18-month stay has seen three mangers and 50 first team players guide the Hoops fortunes. Stability is a distant stranger in West London.
You can't accuse QPR of lacking ambitions. The transfer window saw £20 million spent on ensuring Premier League safety, but the club never expected to be in this perilous position. From day one the Hoops were aiming for the stars. Neil
Warnock and Mark Hughes were backed in the transfer market.
The
naked truth is that Robert Green didn't cut the mustard. Having
shipped five goals on his debut Green was rendered not fit for purpose. So Uncle Tony Fernandes was asked to shell out again.
Time and time again the Rangers owner was asked to open his wallet by his beleaguered manager. Jose Bosingwa proved another costly mistake. The full back wanted out as the strugglers edged towards the trap door. These comments exposed friction in the dressing room. Solid citizens Clint Hill and Shaun Derry understandably took umbridge at Bosingwa's stance. The stalwarts of the Warnock era were cast aside as the wage bill rocketed. Not an eyebrow would have been raised if the Rangers galacticos had been performing on the pitch.
But you can have a word when you side collect just four points from 14 games. With a Derby County-style Armageddon on the cards Hughes was shown the door. If anything Fernandes was too loyal to Hughes. Standing by your man is very noble, but it won't be remembered when Championship football is around the corner. Rangers were always behind the eight ball with those grim statistics.
It's
hard not to like Tony Fernandes, this fella is no Venky or Abramovich. Right or wrong, you can't question his motives. The Malaysian tycoon really has Rangers' best interest at heart.
While Randy Learner refused
to give Paul Lambert significant backing in January, Tone was ready to
put his shoulder to the wheel. While other owners shift the blame, Fernandes fronts up. He even offered to step aside following the MK Dons humiliation.
Despite
his best intentions, QPR remaining rooted to the bottom of the Premier
League. The stalemate with Norwich left them six points adrift of
safety. The Hoops face a tricky set of fixtures. They visit Capital One
Cup finalists Swansea City this Saturday. A week later champions elect
Manchester United visit Loftus Road. A resurgent Newcastle United also
come calling in the next month. Steve McQueen might struggle to escape from this predicament.
Should
the worse happen the Londoners have been cast as the new Portsmouth. But you can't see Fernandes cutting and run. While Alexander Gaydamak
vanished at Fratton Park, Fernandes would be reluctant to leave QPR in the lurch. He would only sell after a period of due diligence besides the present owner has a few quid tucked away.
Fernandes made billions through his budget airline. A personnel fortune of $400 million should see Rangers through a few rainy days.
Calling all QPR fans: What are your views on Tony Fernandes? We'd love to hear from you.
We also have a community on Google+. Come and join us at Squarefootball and get involved!
