Harry Redknapp has been told that he will remain in charge of Queens Park Rangers this season, regardless of results.
Having succeeded Mark Hughes in the Loftus Road dugout in November 2012, but he was unable to keep them in the Premier League that term. He did, however, lead them back into the top-flight at the first attempt last season, even if it were in dramatic and tense circumstances as they edged past Derby County 1-0 in the playoff final at Wembley.
Redknapp has been able to add some real quality to his squad during the summer, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker signed ahead of the new campaign. And as deadline day approached, although he lost star striker Loic Remy to Chelsea, he signed Holland international Leroy Fer and Tottenham Hotspur midfield star Sandro.
Although optimism was high that Rangers could enjoy a good season, they started off badly with defeats to Hull City and at White Hart Lane before they registered a first win with a 1-0 triumph against Sunderland last weekend. Yet even had they suffered a third successive loss, chairman Tony Fernandes has made it clear that Redknapp need not fear for his job.
“What happens if we don’t win for 12 or 13 games?” he said in The Guardian. “But I think we’ve made our mind up to stick – we’ll just stick with Harry come what may. We want stability, we want players to know he’s the manager. A different approach, I think. My whole life’s been stability. People who have worked with me have for a long time. I don’t believe football clubs can be any different. That’s a business principle that works.”
QPR resume their season next Sunday afternoon, when they face a trip to Manchester United. The Reds are still seeking a first win of the season, having lost their opener to Swansea City before drawing at Sunderland and Burnley. However, they are likely to hand debuts to Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo against Redknapp’s men, whilst British record signing Angel di Maria will get his first taste of being backed by the Old Trafford faithful.
QPR fans, what are your expectations for this season? And if result really do against you, is it right to stick with Redknapp regardless? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below!
