Wright-Phillips hails McClaren’s impact

Shaun Wright-Phillips says Steve McClaren is having a major impact at QPR – and is helping to create a team spirit that was lacking last season.

Relegated after a series of dismal performances and dressing-room divisions, Rangers begin life in the Championship against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.

Pre-season has been overseen largely by former England boss McClaren, who recently joined the club’s coaching staff on a short-term basis while he awaits a return to management.

And Rangers wide-man Wright-Phillips, who played under McClaren for the national team, insists the squad are in good shape.

He said: “The spirit has been good. There’s more a sense of togetherness than there was last season.

“We’re all working for each other. That togetherness is the most important thing. You have to have that really.

“When things go wrong it’s important to encourage each other rather than get on peoples’ backs and I think that’s what the spirit is like now.

“The spirit is better and Steve McClaren coming in has helped with that.”

Wright-Phillips also believes Rangers’ players have benefited from the experience McClaren picked up during his spells at FC Twente and Wolfsburg.

The former Chelsea man said: “It’s been really good having him here.

“Obviously he’s managed England and since then has had even more experience having worked in Holland and Germany.

“He’s worked in countries where they play with different styles and I think that’s added to his knowledge and experience.

“The lads have found it good working with him and I think he’ll have a massive impact.”

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