McClaren: QPR need experienced players

Steve McClaren says he believes QPR are now in a position to move forward after a period “in recovery”.

McClaren was speaking at a media conference following his recent appointment as Rangers manager.

He is back at Loftus Road, where he had a short spell on the coaching staff in 2013 during Harry Redknapp’s time as boss.

Previous spending, as well as Financial Fair Play restrictions, have forced the club to reduce its playing budget in recent years.

But McClaren says he believes Rangers are now in a position to move forward.

“The big challenge will be taking this club forward. I think it’s still recovering,” he said.

“I was here five years ago and had a good three months with Harry, but the dressing room certainly needed sorting out.

“The last couple of years have been very good in terms of getting their house in order.

“It’s in recovery, it’s stable and now we need to take it forward.”

Former England boss McClaren has managed Middlesbrough, Derby, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, FC Twente and Wolfsburg during his long career.

Prior to that he worked under former QPR manager Jim Smith at Oxford United and then established himself as a top coach during a spell as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United.

And he has been brought to Rangers partly because the club want him to help develop their young players, several of whom impressed for the first team last season.

However, McClaren insisted experienced players will need to be signed in order for the R’s to progress.

“This squad I believe is a very good squad; young, energetic, with a good attitude and can play football,” he said.

“They’ve already proved that at the end of the season when the young players were thrown in and did well.

“But to go forward and improve you need experience around you.

“The next stage over the next year is to move forward, add experience, and if we do that we can progress.”