| How optimistic are you now? 19:33 - Jun 28 with 18332 views | Spen |
I know it’s very early days in this transfer window and I was going to post this a few days back, but, I think I’m feeling more confident and optimistic now than this time last year.
Last summer the narrative was what could Marti and this team do with a full preseason etc, and the general feeling around the place was positive.
Things seem to be making sense now and with the new management team in place, decent, forward thinking signings, retained players etc, there does seem something brewing here.
I guess it’s the well worn phrase ‘it’s the hope that kills you’ kicking in, especially after 2 San Miguel, but for the first time in a long time I’m really looking forward to this season. |  | | |  |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:10 - Jun 29 with 1974 views | Rangersw12 |
Far more optimistic than I was a couple of weeks ago
Still need a first choice LB and would love us to add some more pave and power into CM
Up.front is what it is but if Kelman isn't going extend his contract then we need to sell and replace him | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:25 - Jun 29 with 1950 views | welwynranger |
| How optimistic are you now? on 22:32 - Jun 28 by NewcastleHoop |
It'll all be crap, everyone'll be injured all the time, we'll play lovely tippy tappy football and lose to teams that run in a straight line towards our goal, Stephan'll be gone in November and replaced with Grant McCann, we'll get to Christmas with Frey being the only striker to have scored any goals at all, our relegation will be confirmed with four matches to play, we'll then win all four of those matches to finish 22nd one point behind Oxford. |
Thanks for thst Newcastlehoop.
Do me a favour please dont sit next to me. | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:26 - Jun 29 with 1948 views | Andybrat |
| How optimistic are you now? on 11:57 - Jun 29 by Burnleyhoop |
I don’t see him being deployed anywhere but the bench. Who does he usurp in the team if everyone is fit?
He’s played at left back and we don’t have one. Someone has to start there, unless we bring in a dedicated LB or use Larkeche.
The squad continues to grow, but we still seem short in very specific positions. Stephan has some conundrums to contend with, but better to have that headache than scratching around not having any player availability. |
So looking at this debate we should be optimistic. Vale, Poku, Kelman and Mbengue added, Paal, Fox obviously going, Anderson gone ( respect though) so squad already stronger. Having watched the PL final I reckon the DS player who may have more affect this season is Alfie Tuck, him and Morgan best players on the pitch. Steve Bould joining, Ben Williams back in from the cold, or heat. Illias, Sam, Jimmy and Jonathan committed to longer contracts. It’s the 1st time I can’t see our obvious 1st choice 11, even in goal, so serious competition for places has to be healthy. Got a feeling Zan Celar will score goals under this leadership. Even Kieran Maquire says we are a well run club. TBH just want the season to start. Oh and finally our kit, we already have the best kit in the world, but if this seasons is an inspiration from that team of 75 they will sell out and inspire us and the team. Here ended my glass more than half full thoughts. | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:34 - Jun 29 with 1925 views | Northernr |
Tuck was the best of the kids in pre season last year for me so v interested to see what goes on with him this year. He’s maybe a bit slight. |  | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:55 - Jun 29 with 1886 views | Tonto |
I didnt buy the idea that this was our worst squad ever. To me that was the Ainsworth/FFP constrined team.
To get where we need to be we need to take sensible risksto build a strong young squad. Last season was the start of that for me. I dont think last years intake was disastrous, there are a few gems (Varane, Morrison) and some green shoots with one free punt being mistake (Santos) but others (Madsen, Celar and Dembele) will need good seasons to make it decent. The issue was that they took too long to settle and not every squad hile was addressed (although given the starting point they probably couldn't be in one season)
The purchases this year have learnt form that and sought to address the weaknesses so should build kn the major surgery of last summer. There is the issue of LB still (althoigh there are at least some candidates) and the stiker issue needs to be resolves.
Then there is the elephant in the room... the new manager. Is he any good? Can HE build on Cifuentes's work.
To summarise:
The squad is better than last year, the manager is unknown. I think we will be mid table again, but there is a greater variation from the median point |  |
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| How optimistic are you now? on 14:12 - Jun 29 with 1804 views | Northernr |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:55 - Jun 29 by Tonto |
I didnt buy the idea that this was our worst squad ever. To me that was the Ainsworth/FFP constrined team.
To get where we need to be we need to take sensible risksto build a strong young squad. Last season was the start of that for me. I dont think last years intake was disastrous, there are a few gems (Varane, Morrison) and some green shoots with one free punt being mistake (Santos) but others (Madsen, Celar and Dembele) will need good seasons to make it decent. The issue was that they took too long to settle and not every squad hile was addressed (although given the starting point they probably couldn't be in one season)
The purchases this year have learnt form that and sought to address the weaknesses so should build kn the major surgery of last summer. There is the issue of LB still (althoigh there are at least some candidates) and the stiker issue needs to be resolves.
Then there is the elephant in the room... the new manager. Is he any good? Can HE build on Cifuentes's work.
To summarise:
The squad is better than last year, the manager is unknown. I think we will be mid table again, but there is a greater variation from the median point |
Midtable would be a good season. Nice progress on challenging budget. | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 19:30 - Jun 29 with 1656 views | derbyhoop |
It looks a lot better than it did a week ago.
I'm not convinced we need a LB, provided Larkeche can translate SPL form to the Championship. Or Esquerdinha forces his way into the starting lineup.
I suspect Colback will be released, which might leave us a bit short for DCMs.
I'd love somebody more effective than Frey/Celar/Kelman/Kolli but I'm not convinced we can afford one, even if a prolific striker has been identified.
But, if we have tobgo into the season with the current lot, I'd like to think it's a top half squad.
Pre- season games may be instructive. Toulouse, Herenveen and Brentford are no mugs. |  |
| "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one's lifetime." (Mark Twain)
Find me on twitter @derbyhoop and now on Bluesky |
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| How optimistic are you now? on 19:48 - Jun 29 with 1607 views | stainrods_elbow |
There's some exciting incoming potential for sure, but a lot of variables , including, obviously, the impact of the new manager (who has no experience of English football), injuries, and whether the likes of Celar and Kelman can pull up any trees, neither of whom (perhaps unfairly) I have massive expectations of. We're still, for me, a couple of credible Championship strikers, a full back, and an enforcer short.
This season could take off or go tits up. Either way, to quote Barry Davies, it'll be interesting. Maybe even very interesting.
Prediction: 15th/16th. It's what we do, innit? |  |
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| How optimistic are you now? on 20:34 - Jun 29 with 1566 views | Match82 |
| How optimistic are you now? on 14:12 - Jun 29 by Northernr |
Midtable would be a good season. Nice progress on challenging budget. |
I'd love a nice relaxing mid table finish and *gasp* perhaps a cup run. And a proper mid table finish, not one of these QPR ones where we go on a run of 10 games without a win and then rattle off 6 wins on the bounce. |  | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 07:45 - Jun 30 with 1334 views | Rsole |
Should we wait for the first injury report and the run of not winning games ? |  |
| Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you ?
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| How optimistic are you now? on 08:18 - Jun 30 with 1291 views | JamesB1979 |
| How optimistic are you now? on 07:45 - Jun 30 by Rsole |
Should we wait for the first injury report and the run of not winning games ? |
Well no because that’s cheating. It’s like taking a bet on a win, when the game has kicked off and your team is winning. If we win first 10 I’ll be optimistic, if we lose 10 I’ll be pessimistic….. | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 08:24 - Jun 30 with 1277 views | kernowhoop |
I hope that the other 23 clubs are not planning on strengthening their squads. They aren't, are they? That might spoil it. 
OK, I am optimistic! | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 08:44 - Jun 30 with 1230 views | SW_Ranger |
I’m with ‘the gang’ there’s good reason to be optimistic … to a degree. Some good signings have come in, for both the DS and first team squad, with our pace (lack of) partly addressed. We all know the LB needs sorting - just get someone in on loan this season and prioritise for a signing next season. If Colback goes we do need a gritty battler option in there - preferably with a view to pushing the ball forward (though I think JS will be more in that mould for us than MC was).
Our forwards need much better service, quality and quantity. Do that and I think we will see much more from them.
Looks better. Way to go for top 6, but progress is tough to come by in this league unless you’re a yo-yo club. Our approach seems to be to manage our FFP but still bring prospects in. Looks like a four year plan/project to me  . Looking forward to seeing how it all comes off this season. | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 08:45 - Jun 30 with 1229 views | 1BobbyHazell |
I'm trying to keep a lid on it but I'm excited already!
New manager, good looking signings. JCS (I know, I know), Kelman and Vale like new signings.
I can already feel that first day of the season's heady mixture of sunshine and hope. Can't wait. |  | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 08:47 - Jun 30 with 1216 views | eghamranger |
I really want to be but I’m being realistic
Manager…. Never managed here before
Mbengue…..Never played in this league before
Poku… see above
Vale… see above, hopefully gets fit
Kelman… is he staying or going? Never played in this league before
Nardi, Dunne, Morrison , cook, Field, Dembele, Varane, chair, Smyth… great for the club
I can see us getting a loan striker in or someone from the French League,
Edwards from the Eze money…. Now I’m turning optimistic |  | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 08:51 - Jun 30 with 1207 views | SW_Ranger |
| How optimistic are you now? on 08:47 - Jun 30 by eghamranger |
I really want to be but I’m being realistic
Manager…. Never managed here before
Mbengue…..Never played in this league before
Poku… see above
Vale… see above, hopefully gets fit
Kelman… is he staying or going? Never played in this league before
Nardi, Dunne, Morrison , cook, Field, Dembele, Varane, chair, Smyth… great for the club
I can see us getting a loan striker in or someone from the French League,
Edwards from the Eze money…. Now I’m turning optimistic |
It’s one thing getting Edwards in - don’t think so, it’s a complete other affording his wages.
Not a chance unfortunately. And far too sexy for his shirt! | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 09:07 - Jun 30 with 1172 views | dmm |
| How optimistic are you now? on 08:47 - Jun 30 by eghamranger |
I really want to be but I’m being realistic
Manager…. Never managed here before
Mbengue…..Never played in this league before
Poku… see above
Vale… see above, hopefully gets fit
Kelman… is he staying or going? Never played in this league before
Nardi, Dunne, Morrison , cook, Field, Dembele, Varane, chair, Smyth… great for the club
I can see us getting a loan striker in or someone from the French League,
Edwards from the Eze money…. Now I’m turning optimistic |
Mbengue has played 26 games for Reading in the Championship. Poku has played 20 games for Peterborough in the Championship. |  | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 09:26 - Jun 30 with 1146 views | QPRSam |
| How optimistic are you now? on 09:07 - Jun 30 by dmm |
Mbengue has played 26 games for Reading in the Championship. Poku has played 20 games for Peterborough in the Championship. |
This but also take optimism from their EFL experience too. Some of our biggest issues last year were availability (especially during the dreaded 3 game weeks). Poku has played 220+ professional games by the age of 23 which I find really impressive. Mbengue 110 games in EFL and 12 in Ligue 1. My prediction would be they won't need the same settling period as the likes of Madsen will need | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 10:42 - Jun 30 with 1055 views | Mirrorball |
I'm feeling optimistic too.
The signings seem to be adding breadth to the squad, giving a bit more flexibility in terms of formation and addressing the lack of pace and flexibility.
All I really know about the new players (I include Harvey Vale in that) is what I've read in the various deep dives but it seems that they improve on the loan players we had last year (with the exception of Mbengue but improving on Ronnie Edwards would be a tall order) and give us more options.
In addition, we have two returning loan players who are "in the conversation" to start games and seem to have kept the right players from those coming to the end of their contracts.
I'd hope we sign someone who is an obvious first choice left back and that we can negotiate a lower salary to keep Colback for one more year.
If not, then I suspect that would be where the players we loan in would cover.
It's good that there seems to be a buzz from new players about what we offer as a club ... Although it is a bit cringey to keep hearing about "the project".
Having a new manager is another thing that makes me a little nervous. He seems to have good credentials on paper and I hope it works out but he is an unknown at this level so let's see on that one.
Overall, optimistic because the squad is improved and backroom staff improved just nervous about a new manager! | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:13 - Jun 30 with 961 views | kensalriser |
Business is ongoing and we haven’t even kicked a ball in friendship yet, but I can’t see why we wouldn’t expect another season something like the last ten. We make signings every summer and always kid ourselves that these ones will be good. This time next year, Rodney… |  |
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| How optimistic are you now? on 12:15 - Jun 30 with 956 views | lassel |
5/10.
This is QPR. We could sign Haaland and we would still find a way to fck it up | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:42 - Jun 30 with 916 views | davman |
Massively stung by the last 21 years and especially by last summer. After the end to the 23/24 season, I thought we'd hit the ground running, but it went south bloody quickly.
Just gonna wait and see and hope for something better... [Post edited 30 Jun 23:43]
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| How optimistic are you now? on 12:43 - Jun 30 with 913 views | kensalriser |
| How optimistic are you now? on 09:07 - Jun 30 by dmm |
Mbengue has played 26 games for Reading in the Championship. Poku has played 20 games for Peterborough in the Championship. |
Stewart Wardley played 68 games at this level. | |
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| How optimistic are you now? on 12:53 - Jun 30 with 877 views | dmm |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:43 - Jun 30 by kensalriser |
Stewart Wardley played 68 games at this level. |
Only 49 years old. Loves QPR. And his mum. Sign him up. | | | |
| How optimistic are you now? on 12:57 - Jun 30 with 858 views | Dorse |
I am always optimistic at this time of year. Then the season starts and the existential dread begins its slow, creeping work.
Good things: actual signings who have legs that move and everything.
Bad things: we said that last year.
Favourite things: brown-paper packages tied up with string etc. |  |
| 'What do we want? We don't know! When do we want it? Now!' |
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