The Thread of the Week
By The Godfather

So, Queens Park Rangers have secured the services of yet another midfielder. This time it’s Ben Watson, who has joined on loan from Wigan until January. Before signing for Athletic, the 24 year-old had enjoyed a successful six-year spell with Crystal Palace, becoming a favourite with the Eagles supporters for his skilful performances in the heart of midfield. Will he be able to produce the same sort of form at Loftus Road?

As you would expect, the transfer news was discussed at great length on the “We Are The Rangers Boys” message board. “Mutley” created a thought provoking thread entitled “can someone please explain…?” in which he questioned the logic behind the Watson signing.

Mutley: “To me, why have we reinforced our strongest area (again) and done little to strengthen the 2 obvious weak points (left-back and up front)? The squad is so unbalanced, it’s laughable. I just don’t get it. It doesn’t make any sense to me whatsoever.”

I think “Mutley” makes a very good point. For me, Queens Park Rangers simply have far too many midfielders within their ranks, yet the club keeps making additions in that department. Although Watson is clearly a very talented player, I can’t help thinking that the Rs should have concentrated their efforts on finding a proven goalscorer.

However, “qblockpete” responded by reminding people that the “loan window will be open soon”. But is it really a good thing to rely on loan signings? Are Premier League clubs just sending players to QPR for a few months in order to get them match-fit? Will the Rs really benefit from this?

“Dazzer1977” stated: “EVERYONE keeps referring to the left-back position. Has Borrowdale been that bad? We do have Connolly as a replacement LB so to me this isn't as important as strengthening the forward line. To be fair we have made an attempt to get Beckford and also now Hooper. Failed in both attempts so from the clubs point of view what more could they have done? Who says they haven't been trying?”

I must admit, Borrowdale has impressed me on several occasions and although I would like to see the club strengthen the left-back position in the future, I agree with “Dazzer” that finding a proven goalscorer to play alongside Simpson should be the priority.

Another interesting post came from “matthew”. He commented: “It is stupid, but in all fairness we have had all summer to strengthen these areas, but we have failed to do so. Perhaps we have the strongest midfield in the division, but also one of the weakest forward lines, which will ultimately cost us a play off place if the problem isn’t addressed soon.”

I have to agree with this post. In order to achieve success in this division, I think that it is very important to have someone capable of scoring at least fifteen times over the course of the season. Young Jay Simpson could turn out to be that man, but I feel that we’re taking a big risk in relying on him to net the goals needed for a play-off push.

On the other hand, “PeterG” pointed out that the squad is beginning to look much stronger than it did a couple of years ago. He posted: “Cerny, Connolly, Routledge, Leigertwood, Rowlands, Watson, Mahon, Buzsaky, Faurlin, Taraabt and Simpson – now that’s a 5 star squad of players”. It has to be said, on paper, the team is looking very solid – but, once again, one has to ask, will the Rs’ weakness up front cost them?

Conclusion

Watson is certainly a very talented player and I think it’s fair to say that the majority of Rangers supporters (at least those who post on the message boards) are very pleased with the signing. It is true that the midfield is looking incredibly strong, perhaps the best in the Championship, but problems still exist in the QPR frontline. Until this issue is addressed, I will stick by my prediction that the Rs will just miss out on a play-off place.

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