QPR boss Ainsworth plays down transfer speculation
Gareth Ainsworth has reiterated that QPR might well sell before the transfer window closes.
There has been speculation over the future of a number of R’s players, including Ilias Chair, Chris Willock and Sam Field.
Midfielder Field has this week been linked with Burnley and a potential move to rejoin ex-QPR boss Michael Beale in Glasgow at Rangers.
West London Sport revealed earlier this summer that QPR had received no approaches for any of their established players apart from Rob Dickie and Seny Dieng, who were sold, but that there was an expectation that there will be interest in Chair later in the window.
Head coach Ainsworth said: “Obviously there’s rumours surrounding some of our players who performed well last season.
“People are going to be looking and thinking ‘Is somebody going to go?’ All I can say is that they (transfer rumours) happen at every club.
“Watch this space. There may be an out, but I can’t guarantee it. There will be rumours surrounding our players, definitely. But that happens at every club.”
Ainsworth and his players have faced criticism after dismal results last season and a terrible start to this campaign, which began with a 4-0 defeat at Watford.
But he insists none of the current squad have expressed a desire to leave.
He said: “There’s not that want to go. I thought last year people were looking to get back to their parent clubs or to maybe get sold at the end of the season.
“There’s a commitment to the cause now – especially after last week, when some of them could have jumped ship and thought ‘I’ve had enough of this’.
“Everyone has come back and said ‘Let’s put this right’. It’s a great attitude for the boys to have. I’m pleased with the reaction.”
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Ainsworth backing Hoops to bounce back against Cardiff
QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth insists his players have moved on quickly after last Saturday’s defeat to Watford ahead of his side’s trip to Cardiff City this weekend.
The Hoops boss took full responsibility for the 4-0 opening day thrashing at Vicarage Road and believes he’s seen a positive reaction from his players this week.
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Ainsworth said: “We put it to bed on Monday, quite quickly actually, because I will take responsibility for that result.
“I’m totally okay with the response of the players, the way we talked about the game, the movement going forward, players have put it to bed really quickly which is great.
“We’re really positive now for this weekend. They’re in the mindset now of they want to go to Wales and get a result.
“I think we can go there and win.”
The R’s conceded after just 24 seconds of the new season and found themselves four behind at half-time but Ainsworth is remaining upbeat with just one game played.
“We’re only three points off top, so it’s not too bad a position,” he added. “I know people will be scoffing at that comment but it’s true. There are 45 games to go yet.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re in all these now and we believe that when we walk on that pitch, especially Saturday, we can win every game.
“The best diamonds take a bit of friction to get polished and I will make sure this club is healthy, no matter what.”
Cardiff started their Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw at newly relegated Leeds United, with the Bluebirds surrendering a two-goal half-time lead at Elland Road, before edging past League Two Colchester United on penalties in the Carabao Cup having again gone two goals to the good before the break.
But Ainsworth remained confident of going toe-to-toe with Erol Bulut’s side and hinted at some surprise inclusions in the travelling squad.
“They [Cardiff] are doing well,” said Ainsworth. “I think they’re going to be a tough cookie away from home, but we’ll travel well across the border.
“We’re going to take a good squad. I think some of the fans will be surprised a little bit as well, but I’ll keep that to myself and hopefully we can get the result.”
While Ainsworth may have been satisfied with his players after Saturday’s defeat, that has not prevented him continuing to move in the transfer market.
Experienced defender Steve Cook arrived from Nottingham Forest this week, and Ainsworth was thrilled to add more depth and know-how to the defensive end of the pitch.
He added: “Steve’s been on the radar for quite some time. I’m so pleased because he’s a phenomenal player.
“I’ve got massive respect for him. He’s a serial promotor from the Championship.
“He needs to now address the other end of the table and help us get results like a promotion winning team.
“He’s a leader, he’s a captain, he’s a great player, full of experience, Premier League and Championship and I think we’re very lucky to have him.”
Cook will be in contention for a first start in South Wales, but it could come too soon for Jack Colback and Jake Clarke-Salter.
“Jack [is] ramping his fitness up, hoping to get him in and around it this weekend,” revealed Ainsworth.
“Jake Clarke-Salter as well, I think this weekend would be one game maybe too quick, but if needed, I’m sure Jake would step up to the plate.”
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