Two Signings Who Could Massively Improve Queens Park Rangers Next Season
Queens Park Rangers really are an enigma. A small club with a small stadium and are not the ones who surprise us all the time, and play in the second tier. Yet, they are always a club who have the potential to get to the Premier League – something they have done several times.
The lure of West London is always there for football players and so attracting new talent isn’t usually a problem as long as they can afford it. This summer will be one of change; ins and outs will come in their droves at Loftus Road just like in other Championship clubs and here we look at two realistic signings who could move QPR up a level.
Alex Bruce (Wigan Athletic)
The 32-year-old centre-back’s career seems to have flown by and the son of Villa manager Steve may yet get one more chance in the Championship.
Wigan were relegated last season, though Bruce was certainly not a key reason why, and he still retains some value at this level. During spells at Ipswich, Leicester City, Leeds United, Hull City, and Wigan Athletic, Bruce has played almost 200 games at Championship level and knows exactly how to marshal a defence.
Defensive solidity is key when attempting to mount a serious promotion challenge. So signing Bruce would be quietly effective and would leave most of the transfer budget free for more flashy forward signings.
Kenny McLean (Aberdeen)
Speaking of more flashy signings, McLean would be an excellent acquisition. The exodus is well and truly on at Pittodrie with Ryan Jack and Jonny Hayes heading for the Old Firm.
McLean could be the next one through the exit door and the midfield man has been a major contributor at Aberdeen over the last three years. 111 games have brought 14 goals for the man from Rutherglen so he has proved that he can chip in with a strike or two, though it is his solidity and continuity in the middle of the park which is impressive.
The former Arbroath and St. Mirren man is one of a number of people who see the bigger picture now in Scotland. With Rangers recovering at a rate of knots, it seems like if you are not playing for either them or Celtic, you will have a very limited chance of success.
Playing in England’s second tier means bigger wages, bigger crowd and a pace of football which can help a player develop. At 25 years of age, McLean needs that right now.