Is Holloway’s QPR return more short-termism? And what about the Chery issue?

With Ian Holloway having returned for a second spell as manager, Nick Reinis ponders the motives for bringing him back and the key issues facing him now he has inherited a struggling QPR side.

Why go back?

In many ways, this is an easy one. The Rangers hierarchy have been keen, to some extent, to ensure the fabric of the club harks back to the days of old. In Holloway, they have a man who orchestrated some of QPR fans’ best memories from the last 20 years. After a play-off final defeat on a proud day in Cardiff in 2003, the job was finished with promotion the following year. Happy times.

More short-termism?

It’s been suggested that Holloway’s appointment feels like a short-term plan. But then again, QPR’s last two managers lasted less than 12 months. The feel-good factor needs to be reintroduced back at Loftus Road and who better to do that than a charismatic leader and his former blue-and-white-haired sidekick in Marc Bircham?

Both wear their heart on their sleeve – important to a disgruntled fan base that feels disenfranchised from their club.

QPR are just as close, points-wise, to the relegation zone as they are to the play-off places, so some short-term gain is essential.

The Chery question

While it’s largely assumed that Holloway and Bircham will be able to gee the players up and put some pride back into performances, the biggest issue facing the duo is the style of play they introduce.

The sacked Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was unable to fully produce the high pressing game he hoped for, while doubts were raised about his ability to best utilise his key players. Using the talented Tjaronn Chery in his favoured position, as a number 10, has left Rangers with little alternative but to play Conor Washington out wide of late.

Many Rangers fans have been keen to see two up top and two wingers for much of the season. With a fully fit Massimo Luongo and Ariel Borysiuk, the R’s are arguably in a better position for a long time to play 4-4-2, with Pawel Wszolek, Olamide Shodipo or Yeni Ngbakoto able to operate on either flank.

But where would that leave Chery? Forced out wide? The talisman’s form has dropped off in recent weeks and dropping him altogether would be harsh, but Rangers need a change and the new manager could trigger that.

A vulnerable defence

In the first few weeks of the season, QPR’s defence looked solid and it appeared that this would be the basis of a strong season. As the games have gone by, the backline has looked fragile. Injuries haven’t helped – Jake Bidwell has been a big miss at left-back – but Rangers failed to solve the right-back issue during the summer. Solidifying the defence is a must.

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