QPR confirm departure of captain Hall
QPR have confirmed that Grant Hall has left the club.
West London Sport revealed on Friday morning that the Rangers captain, 28, was leaving with immediate effect after turning down a contract offer and would not be involved in the final matches of the season.
Hall, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the month, was signed on a free transfer in 2015 after being released by Tottenham.
He has made 119 Championship appearances for the R’s.
Hall told West London Sport last month that he would like to stay at Loftus Road.
But Rangers’ financial position meant it was always probable that he would look elsewhere after being made an offer by the club.
And Hall has duly decided to move on.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave the club after five years,” he told QPR’s website.
“It was a very difficult decision but I had to do what I felt was right for my family at this stage of my career.
“It was an absolute honour to captain the team this season and I thank the manager for having that faith and trust in me.
“I wish all the lads nothing but the best for the remainder of the season and beyond.
“I would like to thank everyone involved within the club for everything they have done for me during my time there – I will miss each and every one of you.
“Last, but not least, a huge thank you to all you R’s fans who I have had a great connection with since my very first season at the club. You all welcomed me with open arms.
“I wish QPR nothing but success for the future. This club will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for the memories.”
Hall’s injury woes
Having failed to make the grade at Tottenham, Hall quickly made a big – and unexpected – impact at QPR.
Chris Ramsey, then Rangers manager and now technical director, knew him from his time at Spurs.
Ramsey thought highly of him but admitted after signing him that Hall was brought in initially as a squad player and “not a mainstay centre-half”.
Hall in fact not only quickly became a first-team regular, he was the club’s player of the year.
However, he was later plagued by a persistent knee problem which kept him out of action for the best part of 16 months.
He re-established himself in the QPR side, took over as captain, and his 30 appearances so far this season is almost double the 17 he managed throughout the whole of last term.
But it proved to be his swansong at the club.
His departure will give Conor Masterson, who has impressed during his first-team outings, a chance to establish himself as a regular in the side.
‘A very good offer to stay’
“We are sorry to see Grant go but whatever decisions we make have to be made with the club’s best interests at heart,” said Rangers manager Mark Warburton.
“The club made Grant a very good offer to stay with us but he feels his future lies elsewhere.
“I would like to personally thank Grant for his services and professionalism throughout my time here. He has been my captain this season and has led the team exceptionally well.
“His departure now presents an opportunity for some of our younger players to step up.”
Director of Football Les Ferdinand added: “Decisions such as this are never easy but we all have to accept the financial landscape in football has changed considerably.
“We have to be honest in our approach when these discussions take place. If we feel the situation does not work financially for the club, we have to be brave and step away.
“Grant is a fantastic professional who has served our club very well. We thank him wholeheartedly for his services and wish him well for the future.”
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