Redknapp searching for new faces

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has pledged to scour the world to find the fresh blood which could rescue the R's season.

Last Updated: 06/01/13 at 13:42 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Harry Redknapp: On the lookout for new plauers

Harry Redknapp: On the lookout for new plauers

After watching his side gain a fortunate 1-1 draw against West Brom in front of just 8,984 fans at Loftus Road in the FA Cup third round, the boss of the Premier League's bottom club revealed he faces losing key defender and club vice-captain Ryan Nelsen in the January transfer window.

Nelsen, 35, has been linked with a move to the MLS in America, potentially with former club DC United, and Redknapp believes if he goes it would be a major blow to QPR's survival hopes in the Premier League.

Redknapp said: "Nelsen is very important to us, a fantastic leader, a top player. But he has been offered a job in America and I think there is every chance he might want to go.

"He wants to be a manager and it is a chance for him to manage a club.

"He has been fantastic. I took him to Tottenham last year from Blackburn. He's one of the best pros I've ever met in my life, a fantastic player, a great trainer. He is a massive part of your team. To lose him would be a massive blow for us."

Nelsen has six months remaining of a one-year deal but Redknapp said: "I'll have to speak to the owner to see what the situation is with that. We'll try (to keep him) but it is difficult."

Nelsen was substituted against West Brom in the second half with a sore knee but even Kieron Dyer's injury-time equaliser, his first goal since May 2007, to secure a replay at The Hawthorns could not take Redknapp's mind off his league worries.

Redknapp, whose side lacked the solidity and verve they showed in beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek, said: "Whoever we would be playing I would be thinking about next week's league game.

"We've got to pick up league points. I'll be flying all round the world to try to get one or two players if I can. That's the key. We need to improve the squad. I'll be doing everything I can to do that.

"We have to do business somewhere even if it's loans. We are short in certain areas. The team needs picking up."

Whether Dyer makes Redknapp's 25-man squad at the end of the transfer window is by no means certain.

The 34-year-old has spent the last five years under an injury cloud and Saturday was only his third appearance of the season, although he took his goal with the aplomb of a striker who won 33 caps for England.

Redknapp said: "He's been injured for years. It was just nice for him to get a full game in."

One man Redknapp was delighted to welcome back was striker DJ Campbell who scored 10 goals in an impressive 17-match loan spell at Ipswich and was QPR's liveliest player.

"I've had seven or eight clubs in for DJ Campbell from the Championship," said Redknapp.

"He gives everything. I like him a lot as a lad. He has got a good attitude. He will be handy for us. I wish I had had him here a month ago."

Redknapp also revealed Bobby Zamora is "not too far away" from returning after surgery for a hip injury.

Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

Tevez open to Ligue 1 move

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez admits he would be open to a move to either Monaco or Paris Saint Germain in the summer.

Premier League: Marouane Fellaini hints at following David Moyes to Manchester United

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has hinted that he would like to follow David Moyes to Manchester United.

Ligue 1: PSG's David Beckham delighted with 'perfect' ending to career

Retiring midfielder David Beckham declared his match at the Parc des Princes "couldn't have been any more perfect".

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved