Les Ferdinand has revealed one area where QPR fails to compete with the likes of Leeds United.
Les Ferdinand has highlighted why QPR lacks a crucial competitive edge over their Championship rivals.
The former striker spent eight years as Loftus Road’s director of football before leaving in 2023.
He was a vital figure behind the scenes as the team struggled to reclaim its place in the Premier League.
The London club was a Championship fixture for much of his tenure, as financial problems became increasingly common over time.
QPR are currently immersed in a relegation battle as they try to keep their place in the second level.
Ferdinand outlines Leeds United’s competitive advantage over QPR.
Ferdinand mentioned Leeds United as an example of why QPR is struggling financially, with parachute payments only part of the problem.
The 57-year-old also believes that clubs like Leeds generate more cash from their stadium on a weekly basis than the Hoops.
“We couldn’t spend more money, so we brought in frees and loans,” Ferdinand remarked on the Stick to Football podcast.
“That was necessary for the club’s long-term viability.
“A number of clubs, like Leeds for example, get 30 or so thousand every other week.
“Plus, throughout the week, the stadium is used, and the boxes are used for business meetings.
“QPR due of its location, there is no parking.
“It only became sustainable on a matchday, there’s no other income coming in.”
QPR suffers from a large gap at the top of the Championship.
Aside from Ipswich Town, Championship teams have struggled to maintain the same level of competitiveness as the three Premier League clubs that were relegated last year.
This demonstrates how far the gap between English football’s top two levels has widened.
Parachute payments, which are given to players who are relegated from the top flight, have been criticized for their role in expanding the disparity.
However, Ferdinand has outlined how a team like QPR struggles to stay up with the elite sides in a variety of ways.
With eight games remaining, Martí Cifuentes’ London club is struggling to stay in the second tier, now ranked 20th.
The gap to the bottom three is only one point ahead of Friday’s return to league play.
Rangers play relegation rivals Birmingham City at Loftus Road on March 29th, with a 3pm kickoff.
Ferdinand raises a crucial aspect for QPR.
QPR have suffered in recent years, and a lack of finances has played a significant role in that.
The club does not have the same resources to compete as some of its rivals, and Ferdinand makes an interesting point about why.
Generating and exploiting revenue streams other than player sales can help teams retain a strong financial position.
Using Loftus Road to their advantage would be a wise step for the club, and one they should consider whenever their financial situation allows for future infrastructure investment.
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