Warburton praises QPR players after bowing out with win
Outgoing QPR manager Mark Warburton paid tribute to his players after they ended his three-year tenure with a 1-0 win over Swansea.
Andre Gray’s goal 10 minutes from time sealed the win for Warburton’s side, who finish the season in 11th spot having been in the top six until March.
The slump in form following a slew of injuries ultimately cost Warburton his job and he named a five-man bench, which included goalkeepers Joe Walsh and Murphy Mahoney, with Seny Dieng making a welcome return to the side following a long-term thigh injury.
Warburton said injuries to a number of players meant he could not name seven substitutes.
“We had no-one else, but credit to the players – we played well against a team who play possession in warm conditions, so they had to work hard and they did
exactly that,” he said.
“It’s a pleasure and privilege to work with those players. I spoke to them individually throughout the week, but it really is a privilege.
“I can leave here comfortable in the knowledge that I’ve committed everything to the role.
“It’s football, you can sit there and slag people off and say ‘I’m hard done by’, but the owners sign the cheques, therefore it’s their call.
“Am I frustrated? Of course I am. But that’s football so you have to hope that your CV is strong and your reputation is intact and if it is then doors open for you.
“But football is a tough industry there’s a lot of people not working, so you’re aware and respectful of that fact.”
The game also saw a first start since January for Dominic Ball, who filled in at the heart of the back three in place of the injured Jimmy Dunne and delivered an accomplished display in this final game for the club.
“Dom is the player who’s suffered most because of Sam Fields’s performances – he’s paid the price for that,” Warburton said.
“I know Dom better than any other player in that dressing room and he stepped in today when he was needed.
“He’s a tremendous young professional and likewise Yoann Barbet as well.”
08/05/2022 @ 11:47 am
Im finding some of the things said in this editorial strange to say the least, Dom Ball gets told he’s not up to the job, yet now he’s the best thing since sliced bread, if he was that good, how come he was on the bench for months on end while out of form players were played week after week,
and now he’s gone, out of contract – makes you wonder eh?. Likewise Charlie Kelman, he’s another one chucked on the Warbs scrapheap.
08/05/2022 @ 9:35 am
Lets get Joey and see the difference. What he’s achieved at Bristol is amazing when compared to this clown.
08/05/2022 @ 9:04 am
Only 5 subs? – I find that hard to believe.