Post by QPR Report on Nov 6, 2009 11:05:39 GMT
Dave McIntyre BBC 606
The Heat is off (for now)
QPR
by David McIntyre - BBC Sport (U1628513) 06 November 2009
With Tom Heaton due to return to Manchester United, Rangers may need to bring in another keeper on a short-term loan.
Heaton’s three-month spell at Loftus Road finishes after this weekend’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
Rangers will look to bring him back, possibly on loan until the end of the season, but are unlikely to be able to do so before January and are preparing to be without him during the interim period.
He is expected to return for a second loan stint – unless a small fee for his permanent signing can be agreed.
Heaton’s contract at Old Trafford expires next summer. But as he will still be under 24, he will not be available on a Bosman free transfer, and any club that signs him without agreeing a deal with United could be ordered by a tribunal to pay a fee.
His departure could leave Jim Magilton lacking cover for Radek Cerny, so a number of possible options for a short-term signing are being considered.
Talking of cover, a left-back seemed an obvious requirement before the season started.
Ironically for a man frozen out by Paulo Sousa last term, Gary Borrowdale is the only outfield player to have played in every minute of every QPR league match this season.
Top of the list to replace or compete with him has been Argentine left-sided player Lucas Licht, who is currently with Spanish club Getafe.
In August he looked to be on his way to QPR, but the move did not materialise.
The 28-year-old is said to have an Italian passport, which ought to make signing him easier.
But his contract situation is unclear and a number of other clubs appear to be interested in him. Where his future lies seems to be anyone’s guess at the moment.
Rangers were previously confident of getting their man. So much so that they pulled out of a deal to sign teenage left-back Patrick van Aanholt on loan from Chelsea, and he joined Coventry instead.That left Matt Connolly as the only (arguably) viable alternative to Borrowdale.
Connolly being hit by glandular fever left Rangers open to a real problem were Borrowdale to become unavailable.
The good news for them is that fears Connolly could be out for months rather than weeks have been allayed.
He returned to full training this week and should be back in action soon, although glandular fever is unpredictable and can become a long-term health issue.
I know. I had it years ago and am still affected by it from time to time. Some times more than others, it has to be said.
Ever seen Fawlty Towers, when Basil’s getting flak so clutches the leg that’s supposedly got shrapnel in it?
I’ve found that post-glandular fever syndrome, as it’s called, can strike just as suddenly.
In all seriousness, for a professional sportsman in particular, the illness is no joke.
Several footballers have felt the after-effects long after having the actual illness; a prime example being Marc Bircham, who was laid low from time to time during his Rangers career.
I hope Connolly now goes from strength to strength. He’s a good player and a fine prospect - but definitely not a left-back.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A59312964
The Heat is off (for now)
QPR
by David McIntyre - BBC Sport (U1628513) 06 November 2009
With Tom Heaton due to return to Manchester United, Rangers may need to bring in another keeper on a short-term loan.
Heaton’s three-month spell at Loftus Road finishes after this weekend’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.
Rangers will look to bring him back, possibly on loan until the end of the season, but are unlikely to be able to do so before January and are preparing to be without him during the interim period.
He is expected to return for a second loan stint – unless a small fee for his permanent signing can be agreed.
Heaton’s contract at Old Trafford expires next summer. But as he will still be under 24, he will not be available on a Bosman free transfer, and any club that signs him without agreeing a deal with United could be ordered by a tribunal to pay a fee.
His departure could leave Jim Magilton lacking cover for Radek Cerny, so a number of possible options for a short-term signing are being considered.
Talking of cover, a left-back seemed an obvious requirement before the season started.
Ironically for a man frozen out by Paulo Sousa last term, Gary Borrowdale is the only outfield player to have played in every minute of every QPR league match this season.
Top of the list to replace or compete with him has been Argentine left-sided player Lucas Licht, who is currently with Spanish club Getafe.
In August he looked to be on his way to QPR, but the move did not materialise.
The 28-year-old is said to have an Italian passport, which ought to make signing him easier.
But his contract situation is unclear and a number of other clubs appear to be interested in him. Where his future lies seems to be anyone’s guess at the moment.
Rangers were previously confident of getting their man. So much so that they pulled out of a deal to sign teenage left-back Patrick van Aanholt on loan from Chelsea, and he joined Coventry instead.That left Matt Connolly as the only (arguably) viable alternative to Borrowdale.
Connolly being hit by glandular fever left Rangers open to a real problem were Borrowdale to become unavailable.
The good news for them is that fears Connolly could be out for months rather than weeks have been allayed.
He returned to full training this week and should be back in action soon, although glandular fever is unpredictable and can become a long-term health issue.
I know. I had it years ago and am still affected by it from time to time. Some times more than others, it has to be said.
Ever seen Fawlty Towers, when Basil’s getting flak so clutches the leg that’s supposedly got shrapnel in it?
I’ve found that post-glandular fever syndrome, as it’s called, can strike just as suddenly.
In all seriousness, for a professional sportsman in particular, the illness is no joke.
Several footballers have felt the after-effects long after having the actual illness; a prime example being Marc Bircham, who was laid low from time to time during his Rangers career.
I hope Connolly now goes from strength to strength. He’s a good player and a fine prospect - but definitely not a left-back.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A59312964
