QPR need Capital One Cup boost – Dublin

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QPR’s failure last season means they need to fly out of the traps this term, according to Capital One Cup ambassador Dion Dublin.

The sharp reality of Rangers’ relegation from the top flight was placed into focus after they were paired with League Two Exeter City in the draw for the first round of the tournament.

They will travel to St James’ Park to take on the Grecians during the week commencing 5 August  – just over three weeks after they meet in a pre-season friendly at the same venue.

QPR were beaten in the third round last term by Reading at a time when Premier League survival was of greater importance.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp
Redknapp’s side face a tricky tie.

But Dublin believes they can ill-afford to take this season’s competition lightly – particularly given the potential for a shock exit.

And he insists Harry Redknapp’s men must take advantage of the League Cup to bring back some feel-good factor in west London.

“QPR have to take this competition seriously – they have no choice,” said the England international.

“They have to do something and get to the latter stages; not for the money, but for the pride of the individual footballer and the manager.

“They need to be able to walk out on the street saying they are not knocked out, and that they are doing okay in the Capital One Cup and bouncing back from the stinker they had last season.

“The players themselves won’t be happy with how it ended last year and they will come out absolutely flying when it comes to this competition.

“It is unfortunate that they have a friendly arranged beforehand. I don’t think they will play the same players in the Capital One Cup.”

And Dublin, who himself has played at City’s St James’ Park, believes the R’s won’t be put off by the tight pitch and close-in supporters, as they are used to that at Loftus Road.

“I have played down at Exeter and it is a good place to play where the pitch is really tight and the fans are really close to the pitch, just like they are at Loftus Road in fact,” he said.

“It won’t faze QPR going to Exeter though at all, and playing on that small pitch in that enclosed stadium, because they do the same thing at home and are used to it.”

Dion Dublin was speaking on behalf of credit card company Capital One, sponsor of The League Cup.

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