Fernandes stays positive and Barton backs QPR duo after defeat

Tony Fernandes insisted he was still feeling positive despite QPR’s opening-day defeat.

The Rangers chairman revealed on Twitter than he had spoken to manager Harry Redknapp soon after Hull’s 1-0 win at Loftus Road.

Fernandes tweeted: “Just spoken to Harry. He’s same as me. Normally after we lose he’s despondent. But he’s upbeat.”

And vice-chairman Amit Bhatia tweeted: “Disappointed with the result today. But plenty of positives. We’ll keep marching on. Onwards and upwards.”

Joey Barton, meanwhile, tweeted his support for Charlie Austin, who missed a penalty late in the game, and Rio Ferdinand, who was at fault for Hull’s goal.

“Good performance from the lads today. Deserved something from the game. We will improve for that,” the R’s midfielder wrote.

“Charlie has scored plenty of important goals for us and will have to put that behind him. He’s gutted but we all believe in him.

“We will get better as we get used to a new system and some new players. Personally, need to improve quality of my set pieces.

“But a great starting point for us to build from. Fans were great again. Delighted to be back in the Premier League. #onwardsandupwards”

Ferdinand, who was otherwise impressive on his debut, tweeted: “Unlucky not to win the game after creating so many openings today…was my man for their goal. Not happy but there are positives to draw on.”

To which Barton replied: “We win as a team, we lose as a team. Thought you were outstanding today mate. We’ll be fine if thats our benchmark.”

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