The strange case of QPR

I commented last week about the surprise parting of the ways of Luigi Di Canio and QPR after less than 12 months into a reasonable start as QPR manager. Having pulled them out of the drop zone and stabilised their season, more was expected for next year as the buying power of the wealthy QPR board begins to take effect.

So an even bigger surprise this week as the manager they had to have lined-up to replace Di Canio turns out to be none other than recent flop-everywhere-he's-been, Iain Dowie. How strange? Presumably, QPR were terrified of making too quick an announcement on Luigi's departure lest it look like Dowie was waiting in the wings.

I don't believe we gave Dowie long enough as our manager, but the fact is that he didn't set the world on fire at Coventry and his track record in spending big is not good. So this does not look like a good match; a club with plenty to spend and a manager who appears to be ready to buy just about anyone.

I guess we should be pleased because this looks like it could suit us next season. If Dowie under-performs again it might mean Rangers are less of a threat than they might otherwise be.

Talking of Rangers, I was disappointed to see them beaten by the Ruskies last night but, let's face it, they hardly deserved to win the UEFA Cup with the negative football they have been playing throughout the tournament. Justice was done and it was only fair that St Petersburg won it during full-time and Rangers did not get the chance to scrape another win on penalties.