Next Up: Queens Park Rangers – Friendly
Harry Redknapp’s QPR visit St James Park tonight. For both sides it’ll be their first friendly of the season. QPR are currently using the excellent training facilities at Woodbury. Don’t forget it’s a 7.30 kick off. Just £2 for under 18s.
The last time QPR played Exeter City it was August 2009 in the League Cup. 4614 fans in attendance. Scott Golbourne sent off for the Grecians. Routledge (53, 61, pen 66), Pellicori (85) and Ephraim (89) the scorers for the Hoops. Tonight’s ref also officiated that game.
Sam Parkin should have had his international clearance confirmed, so it’ll be the first opportunity for City fans to see him in action in the red and white stripes.
Despite finishing bottom of the Premier League last season, the only new addition to QPR’s squad is Newcastle’s Danny Simpson. Steve McClaren has also been added to the coaching staff. Defender Tal Ben Haim has also travelled with the squad even though he hasn’t signed a new contract, and may feature.
Talking on QPR’s official site, Harry Redknapp said
We need to change things around, we know that. We need to bring in new faces. We’re trying to do one or two things, we’re still looking, but it takes time. You have to make sure you get the right ones as it’s important to bring the right people into the club. There’s not an awful lot of movement at this time but I’m sure things will warm up.
The lads have worked very hard [in training] so it’s been good so far. The majority of them have been great.
Exeter is a great, family club and Paul Tisdale has done a smashing job there; it will be a good run-out.
There’s no pressure, no points at stake so I’m looking forward to it.
Bobby Zamorra also talking to the QPR official website, talks of the treble training session and had this to say:-
Pre-season is about getting minutes under your belt and the gaffer and coaches have got to work out their best team as well. You’ve got to prove your point and let them know that you want to play, you’re ready to go and want to do well. Pre-season is a fitness exercise, as well as proving that you want to be in that starting line-up for the first game of the season. We’re looking forward to the game on Thursday for a run-out.
Ji-Sung Park has also been talking on their official website
I’m happy to be back and glad that we have our first match of pre-season on Thursday. I’m looking forward to it. I had a good break. I was in Korea all summer and spent time with friends and family. Last season was disappointing and it was good to get away to try and forget about everything, to relax and refresh my mind.
But now I’m feeling better all of the time. Training is very hard but my body is getting used to it. “We’ve had some hard sessions. Everyone’s fresh and determined to do well ahead of the new season.
Head of Fitness Carl Serrant, talked about the visit to Devon and how useful pre-season tours such as this trip to Devon can be:-
They can be really beneficial in terms of the guys spending a lot of time together, and getting to know each other. Obviously we’ve had a lot of changes here over the past season and this just provides another opportunity for them to get to know each other that much more. In terms of building the qualities that are required for the season, having a togetherness is going to be really important.
Match Officials
Referee: Stephen Bratt
Assistant referees: Adam Bromley & Andy Bennett
Fourth Official: Brett Huxtable
Stephen refereed us twice last season. The 1-1 home draw against York City and the 3-0 away win at Morecambe.