Manager looking forward to pitting his wits against Redknapp’s team
Mark Robins believes Tuesday night’s victory over Bradford has given them a good starting point ahead of Saturday’s clash with Queens Park Rangers.
Robins’ men recorded a 2-1 victory over the Bantams courtesy of James Vaughan’s brace, but it was the performance that pleased Town’s manager the most.
“We were very good,” he said. “It was a good starting point because Bradford are a good side. They made a few changes, but it was still a good team. Even though they are in the division below us, it was a good scalp for us. They had a lot of momentum and it was good to get the win. We controlled the game from start to finish and the only downside was the conceding of the goal, which came about from a very good finish from a very good player.
“We are looking forward to taking the performance into Saturday’s game,” he continued. “We want to get our first points on the board, but know how tough that will be against arguably one of the best teams in the division. We are at home, though, and it is about what we do.”
Mark enjoyed the way his team controlled possession against City and expects his players to go about their business in the same manner on Saturday.
“We are relishing the game. We have had a decent start, despite not picking points up at Forest, and it is important that we get points on the board as soon as possible. If we can perform in the manner we did on Tuesday night we will be fine, I have no doubts about that.
“Regardless of who the opposition are this season, they are going to provide with us a tough test. The challenge for us is to be brave in possession because we are good enough. We know we will be up against it; we are probably the underdogs in the eyes of the bookmakers.”
Gary O’Neil’s arrival at Loftus Road this week highlights the quality within QPR’s ranks and follows on from the captures of Richard Dunne and Charlie Austin.
“Their squad is right up there,” said Mark. “The spending power they have because of the parachute payments and the players they have at their disposal makes them a threat. They have a manager in Harry Redknapp who has been around a long time and is vastly experienced. I haven’t come up against him before in my managerial career and I am looking forward to playing against his team.
“They have got the likes of Joey Barton back playing for them and he is a top player,” Mark added. “They have a wealth of experience and have players within their ranks who know how to gain promotion from the Championship.”
Jon Stead is making a steady return to match fitness after featuring in two matches this week.
“He came through Tuesday OK and did well during his 45 minutes at Bradford Park Avenue. The time has given him minutes under his belt as he continues to get back into the swing of things.”
