EXCLUSIVE: WATSON PENS LOAN DEAL
Posted on: Tue 01 Sep 2009
Rangers have beaten off stiff competition from a host of Clubs, including two from the Premier League, to clinch the loan signing of Wigan Athletic midfielder Ben Watson.
The 24 year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to Loftus Road in the past, has put pen to paper on a deal until December 31st, although the R's do have the option of extending the deal when the January transfer window opens.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, R's gaffer Jim Magilton expressed his pleasure at the news, commenting: "Ben will prove to be a fantastic addition to the squad.
"He's got a proven track record in this division, as well as the Premier League, and I'm just delighted we've been able to bring him to the Club.
"He's a box-to-box midfielder, who scores goals and puts his boot in - he's got all the attributes that you need to play in that central midfield role."
Magilton was also keen to acknowledge the role that Gianni Paladini played in the deal, adding: "Gianni has worked around the clock over the last 48 hours or so to get this done, and I'm indebted to him for that.
"There were a lot of other big, big Clubs in for him, but Gianni and the Board have pulled out all the stops, so I'm delighted."
Watson made his Crystal Palace debut at the tender age of just 17 and went on to establish himself as a regular in the heart of the Eagles' midfield.
He surpassed 150 appearances for the Eagles before his 23rd birthday, and also represented England at Under-21 level.
A dead ball expert, who is also a specialist from the penalty spot, Watson moved to Wigan Athletic in January 2009 for a fee believed to be in the region of £2.5 million.
He went on to feature in ten of the Latics' remaining Premier League matches that season, and scored his first league goal in the 2-1 away victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
A second goal followed against Hull City a few days later, but a change in Manager at the Club over the summer months brought a change in fortunes for the midfielder, who has been restricted to just a solitary Carling Cup appearance to date this term.
Watson - who will wear squad number 15 - becomes the sixth summer addition to Magilton's squad, following in the footsteps of Alejandro Faurlin, Adel Taarabt, Alessandro Pellicori, Tom Heaton and Jay Simpson.
*To sponsor the R's new loan signing, contact our Sales Team now on 020 8740 2588.
Posted on: Tue 01 Sep 2009
Rangers have beaten off stiff competition from a host of Clubs, including two from the Premier League, to clinch the loan signing of Wigan Athletic midfielder Ben Watson.
The 24 year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to Loftus Road in the past, has put pen to paper on a deal until December 31st, although the R's do have the option of extending the deal when the January transfer window opens.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, R's gaffer Jim Magilton expressed his pleasure at the news, commenting: "Ben will prove to be a fantastic addition to the squad.
"He's got a proven track record in this division, as well as the Premier League, and I'm just delighted we've been able to bring him to the Club.
"He's a box-to-box midfielder, who scores goals and puts his boot in - he's got all the attributes that you need to play in that central midfield role."
Magilton was also keen to acknowledge the role that Gianni Paladini played in the deal, adding: "Gianni has worked around the clock over the last 48 hours or so to get this done, and I'm indebted to him for that.
"There were a lot of other big, big Clubs in for him, but Gianni and the Board have pulled out all the stops, so I'm delighted."
Watson made his Crystal Palace debut at the tender age of just 17 and went on to establish himself as a regular in the heart of the Eagles' midfield.
He surpassed 150 appearances for the Eagles before his 23rd birthday, and also represented England at Under-21 level.
A dead ball expert, who is also a specialist from the penalty spot, Watson moved to Wigan Athletic in January 2009 for a fee believed to be in the region of £2.5 million.
He went on to feature in ten of the Latics' remaining Premier League matches that season, and scored his first league goal in the 2-1 away victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
A second goal followed against Hull City a few days later, but a change in Manager at the Club over the summer months brought a change in fortunes for the midfielder, who has been restricted to just a solitary Carling Cup appearance to date this term.
Watson - who will wear squad number 15 - becomes the sixth summer addition to Magilton's squad, following in the footsteps of Alejandro Faurlin, Adel Taarabt, Alessandro Pellicori, Tom Heaton and Jay Simpson.
*To sponsor the R's new loan signing, contact our Sales Team now on 020 8740 2588.
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