Gareth Ainsworth’s R’s have collected two points from a possible nine in the last week, with draws at home to Swansea City and a decent point away to Birmingham City, following a humiliating 3-1 setback to Sunderland at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Despite the three-game week, there has been a slew of news from the West London club, which we have compiled here at Football League World.
Ainsworth is undeterred.
Following the 0-0 draw with John Eustace’s men at St Andrew’s on Friday night, Ainsworth reiterated his positive outlook on what is to come from his side, with both sides having a handful of chances despite Asmir Begovic and John Ruddy’s top performances in their respective nets.
Rangers had 8 shots to Birmingham’s 12, with 4 of those challenging the seasoned Ruddy, with one in particular earning a great rating from the R’s gaffer.
“What a save by John Ruddy at the other end!” If I may use the term, Gordon Banks-esque. “He’s gotten it up in the air and away from people,” he told BirminghamWorld.
“I’m telling you we’re going to upset some of these critics who tipped us for a relegation battle. We’re going to be far from that, I’m pretty sure of that.” Ainsworth told WestLondonSport post-match.
“It was definitely one for the defenders tonight. There were some fantastic blocks from us and two magnificent saves from Asmir.
The Rangers boss continued to heap praise regarding the spirit and togetherness within the dressing room, which will be required if they are to surprise those on the outside.
“A point away from home is always a good point. I’m proud of the cohesion of the players. They’re really together.”
R’s in four-way pursuit of lower league playmaker
Despite the recent closure of the summer transfer window, speculation has already begun involving QPR in the latter weeks of September. Recent reports have emerged from TeamTalk linking Rangers with a move for Mansfield Town’s attacking midfielder Davis Keillor-Dunn, but face potential competition from no less than three other second tier sides in the form of Swansea City, Hull City and Millwall.
Prior to his move to the Stags, the 25-year-old was well known for amassing 32 goal contributions during two seasons at Oldham, despit the Latics’ fall into the National League. He has continued that form, scoring 5 goals for Burton in League One before moving to Nottinghamshire in January.
At the beginning of this campaign alone, Keillor-Dunn has accumulated 7 goals and two assists in Mansfield’s nine league outings as Nigel Clough’s side sit third in the table in the early stages.
While it may be a reflection of the limited resources available to Ainsworth owing to budgetary restrictions, the midfielder would be an excellent addition to the club’s midfield.
What is next for QPR?
Rangers will look to build on their previous two draws, in which they showed signs of potential.
Ainsworth will be seeking for his side to earn their first home victory since his first game in charge, a 1-0 success against Watford on March 11th, when they face Mark Robins’ Coventry on September 30th at 3PM.
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