The Local Lowdown: QPR

Last season was a difficult year for QPR after two top-half finishes. What went wrong?

In my opinion, the stuffing was knocked out of our club when head coach Mick Beale dramatically left for Glasgow Rangers in November. After that, there were a host of injuries to key players while others lost form. In addition, the home record has been very disappointing. We have only won a single game amongst the last 17 hosted at Loftus Road in league and cup dating back to October. That is the most desolate run I have experienced in my 50 years supporting the R’s.

One win and two defeats in the league so far – what have you made of Rangers’ start?

A mixed bag. Losing 4-0 at Watford on the opening day was a huge body blow before we turned it around with a richly deserved 2-1 success away to Cardiff City. Then there were some real positive signs in last Saturday’s home game versus Ipswich Town. Rangers performed very well in the first half. Indeed, Sinclair Armstrong was extremely unlucky not to break through mustering a fierce shot that rattled both posts before squirming to safety. However, injuries to Sinclair and reigning QPR Player of the Season Sam Field after the hour mark were pivotal. Ipswich seized control and scored the only goal.

QPR centre-forward Lyndon Dykes (centre) plays alongside Ché Adams for Scotland

What is the fan feeling towards head coach Gareth Ainsworth, and what changes has he implemented since being appointed in February?

Gareth was a playing legend at Loftus Road as part of our 2003/04 team that gained promotion to the Championship. I can still envisage his buccaneering forays down the wing including one game where he unsuccessfully tried to run off a broken leg. Therefore, I always felt he would return to Rangers as manager. However, he inherited a losing side when he took over but did well to avoid relegation courtesy of vital victories away to Burnley and Stoke City in April. Since then, he has been working hard to bring necessary leadership qualities into the camp by signing experienced players like Asmir Begovic, Morgan Fox, Steve Cook and Jack Colback.

Young striker Sinclair Armstrong is being tipped for a breakout season. What does he bring to the team?

The word I use to describe Sinclair is “raw”. He has so much raw potential at the age of 20. Pace and power combined with a never-say-die 100 per cent attitude which the fans love. Now that he has scored his first competitive goal in the win at Cardiff, I am sure Sinclair will notch at least 15 this season and make his full international debut for the Republic of Ireland. His attributes are very similar to those of Les Ferdinand who we idolised so much as a legendary QPR marksman. But I have to say Sinclair’s current progress is better than Ferdinand achieved at the same age. The young ‘Sir Les’ was eventually sent out on loan to Besiktas before he really started to make an impact at Loftus Road.

Young striker Sinclair Armstrong has been a major threat in QPR's opening games

Who else should Saints look out for?

Ilias Chair almost scored from 50 yards against Ipswich last week but visiting keeper Vaclav Hladky backpedalled to conjure the ball over the crossbar. Chair is a maverick who can win a game on his own.

How do you see the game going on Saturday?

A pulsating 3-3 draw.

Follow Tony on social media @TonyIncenzo.