The papers have claimed today that Nicolas Anelka is a transfer target for Queens Park Rangers in January, and while the former Chelsea, Bolton, Liverpool and Arsenal forward would be a very useful addition to their squad, it’s best not to buy into anything written about Rangers at the moment.
Despite Tony Fernandes’ very public claims to the contrary, Mark Hughes is quite obviously under some significant pressure, and the chances of him actually being at the club in January are probably 50/50 at best.
We’ve heard all the excuses about needing more time, and new players needing to settle, but the reality is this: Hughes has spent quite heavily in both of the last transfer windows – and increased the club’s wage bill hugely – and there’s been almost nothing to show for any of it. Rangers escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, and are now five points adrift at the bottom of the league – has there been a tangible sign at any point during his reign that suggests Hughes is actually capable of arresting this decline?
It’s all theory – he might get the club out of trouble, and Fernandes can keep telling himself that there are too many good players in this team for them to be relegated, but at some point he has to acknowledge the here and now. Rangers are going down if something doesn’t change.
Chances are, that if Rangers do spend money in January, then it won’t be Hughes choosing the players – so ignore everything until there’s a bit of managerial security at the club. Fail to beat Southampton at home on Sunday, and the Welshman is done in West London.
Free £25 bet for new members from William Hill
Follow The Premier League Owl on Twitter and Facebook.
Fear not Irish R, we’ve all been there…
Oh dear, excuse the grammar, spell check on smartphone over zealous.
Totally agree. As soon as I read about Anelka, I thought to myself what a load of BS. No way is Tony going to allow any more signings while the club and hughes are in such a predicament. I have backed Hughes until the last two games and if he does not succeed against the saints, it’s time to part. Adel andCisse seem to not like another and have no understandin, at least not yet. Zamora is winding down. What a stupid thing to say biblically that he has fallen out of love with football. Media could be playing on this though so bit insure here. We have tightened up defensively and playing some really good stuff but not taking chances and being punished for every mistake. It’s just MIT meant to be under Hughes. Het Arry now while he is still available!!!