Austin: I’m not leaving QPR
As the game neared a conclusion Bobby Zamora, QPR’s play-off goal hero from two seasons ago, came on to replace James Wilson for the visitors, receiving a rapturous response from both sets of fans in the process.
But the 26-year-old stated after the match that he is “not going anywhere” – and Konchesky is hopeful his team-mate will stay in W12 to help fire Rangers into contention for promotion. Everyone can see what he can do in front of goal and hopefully he’ll keep banging in goals for us and for himself.
“For us to get on with our own game and play the way we did, I’m very pleased”.
The draw maintains Brighton’s unbeaten start to the season, but they drop to second on goal difference after Middlesbrough’s 1-0 win over Burnley.
Carl Baker and Nicky Maynard struck the goals as MK Dons lifted themselves out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. “I learnt that we have a team that is willing – willing to work for each other”.
“We see it as a point gained, it’s better than losing three, so we’ll take the point and we’ll build on that for Saturday at Bristol City”.
QPR meanwhile drew with Burnley in the first game of Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink’s rein. We lose a our head a little bit and they score two. “Today, I think everyone was thinking we are at QPR, against a new manager, with a team on a half decent run at home, so I was particularly pleased not only to nullify them but then to go really strong and arguably have the measure of the chances in order to win”. “But we’ve done well and shown great character in coming back, and we’ll take the point”.
It was always going to be a hard introduction to life in the Championship for Hasselbaink, who enjoyed 13 months of success at Burton Albion in Leagues Two and One.
“Forget about how it panned out, you’ve got a new manager, a team which usually get a reaction from a new manager, a team that have only lost once at home anyway, so the feel is in their favour immediately”. You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
Konchesky was nearly the unlikely hero but Stockdale beat the full-back to a loose ball dangerously floating in the Brighton area, before Philips was inches away from becoming Rangers’ matchwinner, with his stunning solo effort looking destined for the far corner, only to clip the edge of the post and be diverted wide. I can only say, “No, I don’t want him to leave, I need him”.