Holloway pays tribute to QPR’s old guard

QPR boss Ian Holloway paid tribute to Jamie Mackie and Nedum Onuoha after the 3-1 win at home to Birmingham.

Both were given rousing receptions when brought on as second-half substitutes for their final appearances at Loftus Road as Rangers players.

Mackie and skipper Onuoha will leave the club along with James Perch when their contracts expire this summer.

“It’s a very emotional day for all of us. I’m so proud of my senior players and what they’ve done to help these younger lads,” Holloway said.

“It was always going to be a situation where some of the old guard might have to leave in the end.

“I think the dignity they’ve shown and the way we’ve thanked them has been more than I could have hoped for.

“I want to thank them because this year has been tough but they’ve been wonderful behind the scenes.

“When you know you’ve got wonderful men and you might not be able to keep them at your company, it’s worth saying thanks.

“As Nedum said in his programme notes, nothing lasts forever. But hopefully he’ll remember that (send-off) today because I’ll remember him and Jamie and all the people we won’t have next year.”

Rangers are keen place a greater emphasis on younger players – and two of them scored in a deserved victory.

Bright Osayi-Samuel hauled them level and Ilias Chair put them ahead in the second half. Matt Smith added a third in injury time.

“Can we now move the place forward? It’s a rebuilding process and I’m delighted with the potential we’ve got here,” Holloway added.