Warnock looks to new signings

12 September 2011 09:30

QPR manager Neil Warnock believes the recent increased competition at the club can prove a catalyst in their survival bid.

The west Londoners returned to the top flight after a 15-year absence this summer but their form has been indifferent, winning at Everton but losing to Bolton and Wigan, but QPR look a different proposition heading into Monday night's home clash with Newcastle and have six new signings looking to make their debuts.

Warnock brought in the players after Tony Fernandes' recent takeover and believes it can help the R's stave off relegation back to the npower Championship, and he said: "The whole of training has been lifted. Just having people around has made things 50 or 60% higher intensity and everything."

He added: "Just watching from the sideline you can see what these players have brought to the club. It is just the next step.

"I think it is a natural step to bring in some quality players into an already good squad and I think it just lifts you. Whether it is journalism or whatever, if you get competition in alongside you it makes you want to be better and my players have had the same response."

Rangers' standout signing was that of Joey Barton, who looks set to make his debut against former club Newcastle on Monday.

The 28-year-old was in the final year of his contract at St James' Park and was made available for a free transfer after criticising the club's recruitment policy via his Twitter account.

Warnock admits Barton's signature was quite a coup for the newly-promoted side and thinks he is capable of playing for a top-four club.

"I thought London might just tempt Joey," he added. "I know he is very articulate with his tweets and I know he likes museums and oil paintings so I thought it might just tempt him and his partner.

"But if you look at what Joey has got to offer, if he didn't have a little bit of baggage then I am sure Queens Park Rangers couldn't be signing him. I think he would be at a top four club without a shadow of a doubt."

Source: PA