QPR complete double signing of Johnson and Nelsen

18 June 2012 15:18

QPR manager Mark Hughes has continued his building plans for next season with the double signing of striker Andrew Johnson and defender Ryan Nelsen on free transfers.

Hughes worked with former England frontman Johnson, 31, during their time at Fulham, while Nelson will sign on at Loftus Road following the end of his contract at Tottenham.

"I have worked closely with Mark before and there are also players here that I have played with previously, including Bobby Zamora and Shaun Derry," Johnson told www.qpr.co.uk.

"Those were factors in me joining, but this is a big, big club."

Johnson feels he is joining Rangers at an exciting time, the west-London club having secured another season in the top flight on the final day, despite a last-gasp defeat at champions Manchester City.

"I have spoken to the chairman and Mark, who both have great ambition for QPR, and it is something that I wanted to be a part of.

"Mark told me about the plans for a new training ground and how the club wants to go forward. That really excited me."

New Zealander Nelson, 34, joined Spurs in January after seven years at Blackburn where he played under Hughes.

Nelson has penned a one-year deal with Rangers and admitted reuniting with his old boss was a "massive draw".

He said: "The owners have got fantastic ambition and it's exciting to become a part of that."

Source: PA