Why Mark Hughes has plenty of convincing to do at QPR

By Brian Reade

Published 21:02 13/01/12

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How big of Mark Hughes to let QPR know that even if they are relegated he won't be leaving the sinking ship.

But why would he, when he has a contract in his pocket, he's been kicking his heels on the dole since last summer, and taking a side down who aren't currently in the relegation zone would only be further evidence that he may not be as great a coach as he believes.

Word of advice, Mark: You're not Jose Mourinho. You've been appointed to keep QPR up and take them up the table. The trigger-happy board which has rewarded Neil Warnock for winning them the Championship with the sack, will decide if you're there for five months or five years.

Not you.

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I was disappointed with the Robbie Keane signing at Aston Villa. Not the actual singing itself, which could turn out to be shrewd business for Alex McLeish, but the signing ceremony.

Not once did Robbie mention how Villa were a club that's been close to his heart since he was a nipper playing three-and-in in Dublin dressed in a claret-and-blue top.

With Shamrock Rovers, Celtic, Liverpool and Tottenham shirts underneath. A football first, indeed.

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With Manchester United tempting 37-year-old Paul Scholes out of retirement to stiffen up the midfield, Arsenal bringing 34-year-old Thierry Henry back from America to bring some intelligence to the attack, there's been serious suggestion that Liverpool should drag 36-year-old Robbie Fowler back from Thailand to be score some much-needed goals.

It's not a bad idea. But, to be honest, if Fowler can't make it, Liverpool could carry 73-year-old Roger Hunt out from behind the Pools Panel desk, ask him to stand in whatever part of the penalty box his instinct takes him and let him stick out a foot at everything played in.

And he'd probably still do better than most of the striking options currently available at Anfield, too.

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And there was me thinking that Neil Warnock was having his best season in the Premier League, both with the football his team was playing and the overall reining in of his insanity in post-match rants.

In fact I've warmed to the new Warnock so much I actually think I'm going to miss him.

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