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If this is accurate I'm not very happy.
No Dex and no DJ either
29 July 2009
By Ben Kosky
QPR boss Jim Magilton has ruled out a move for Leicester's DJ Campbell as he searches for a striker to replace Dexter Blackstock.
Campbell, who was born in west London and played for Rangers at schoolboy level, had been touted for a return to Loftus Road after failing to hold down a regular place at Leicester.
Blackstock's protracted - and rather controversial - £750,000 sale to Nottingham Forest, which finally went through last week, left Magilton with just three specialist strikers at his disposal.
Italian trialist Alessandro Pellicori has also featured in the Rs' pre-season games and could yet earn a contract but, asked if his shopping list included Campbell, Magilton replied: "Absolutely not.
"We're constantly on the lookout - obviously Pellicori's come in as well, which gives me more options up front. At the moment we're just having a wee look at him through the rest of pre-season.
"Adel Taarabt's come in [on loan from Tottenham] as well and again he gives me another option. If we feel someone can add quality to the squad, we'll try and get them."
But the Rangers manager has made it clear that 27-year-old Campbell, who spent five years in non-league football before breaking into the Football League with Brentford, does not - in his view - come into that category.
Ironically, Campbell might have been lining up at Loftus Road on the first day of the new season anyway had Blackpool, where he spent a successful period on loan from Leicester last season, been able to match his salary.
His best season at Championship level came at Birmingham in 2006-07, when he scored 12 goals - the same number that Blackstock managed at QPR last year despite spending lengthy spells on the bench.
Magilton made it clear earlier this month that he was happy to keep the former England under-21 striker at Loftus Road, but owner Flavio Briatore had been determined to sell Blackstock for some time.
The move means that Forest have now benefitted twice this summer from Briatore's whims, having already signed goalkeeper Lee Camp for a nominal fee.
With Jake Cole joining Barnet and Reece Crowther moving to A-League side Wellington Phoenix, QPR are still seeking fresh competition for number one keeper Radek Cerny.
Andy Marshall, who spent three seasons as a team-mate of Magilton's at Ipswich, is currently on trial at Rangers and is available on a free transfer after his contract with Coventry expired last season.
Magilton added: "Andy's having a look at us and we're having a look at him. I've got past experience of working with him and I know what he can bring.
"He's an experienced goalkeeper and a good back-up for Radek, but I'll sit down and have a conversation with him soon and see where we go.
No Dex and no DJ either
29 July 2009
By Ben Kosky
QPR boss Jim Magilton has ruled out a move for Leicester's DJ Campbell as he searches for a striker to replace Dexter Blackstock.
Campbell, who was born in west London and played for Rangers at schoolboy level, had been touted for a return to Loftus Road after failing to hold down a regular place at Leicester.
Blackstock's protracted - and rather controversial - £750,000 sale to Nottingham Forest, which finally went through last week, left Magilton with just three specialist strikers at his disposal.
Italian trialist Alessandro Pellicori has also featured in the Rs' pre-season games and could yet earn a contract but, asked if his shopping list included Campbell, Magilton replied: "Absolutely not.
"We're constantly on the lookout - obviously Pellicori's come in as well, which gives me more options up front. At the moment we're just having a wee look at him through the rest of pre-season.
"Adel Taarabt's come in [on loan from Tottenham] as well and again he gives me another option. If we feel someone can add quality to the squad, we'll try and get them."
But the Rangers manager has made it clear that 27-year-old Campbell, who spent five years in non-league football before breaking into the Football League with Brentford, does not - in his view - come into that category.
Ironically, Campbell might have been lining up at Loftus Road on the first day of the new season anyway had Blackpool, where he spent a successful period on loan from Leicester last season, been able to match his salary.
His best season at Championship level came at Birmingham in 2006-07, when he scored 12 goals - the same number that Blackstock managed at QPR last year despite spending lengthy spells on the bench.
Magilton made it clear earlier this month that he was happy to keep the former England under-21 striker at Loftus Road, but owner Flavio Briatore had been determined to sell Blackstock for some time.
The move means that Forest have now benefitted twice this summer from Briatore's whims, having already signed goalkeeper Lee Camp for a nominal fee.
With Jake Cole joining Barnet and Reece Crowther moving to A-League side Wellington Phoenix, QPR are still seeking fresh competition for number one keeper Radek Cerny.
Andy Marshall, who spent three seasons as a team-mate of Magilton's at Ipswich, is currently on trial at Rangers and is available on a free transfer after his contract with Coventry expired last season.
Magilton added: "Andy's having a look at us and we're having a look at him. I've got past experience of working with him and I know what he can bring.
"He's an experienced goalkeeper and a good back-up for Radek, but I'll sit down and have a conversation with him soon and see where we go.
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