Football Season Guide

After an excellent first half of the 2021-22 campaign, QPR looked certain to make the Championship playoffs. However, the Rs won just four of their last 18 games from February onwards to finish nine points off the top six. Head coach Mark Warburton has left the club and has been replaced by Michael Beale during the summer. Beale takes on his first managerial role following an excellent coaching career, which most recently saw him serve as assistant manager to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa. Financial issues continue to cause QPR problems and, after losing solid goalscorers at this level, in the form of Austin and Gray, the Rs look to be reliant on Lyndon Dykes in the upcoming season. Ilias Chair and Chris Willock are excellent creative players to play wide or in the number 10 role, and QPR also have some decent options in central defence. Beale's appointment is certainly a risk given his lack of experience, but it is one that certainly excites fans. However, one or two injuries to the likes of Chair or Dykes could cause huge problems for QPR, with very little depth currently on display. Beale will be eager to make some more signings before the transfer window closes, particularly with the five-substitution rule being introduced this year.