The latest LoftforWords vox pop sees four QPR fans tackle the key issues facing our team as we enter a hectic Christmas fixture period and transfer window.

Message board posters and site readers dogsdanglies, NedZelicLegend, JudedaHouseCat and Patrick Lacey give us their thoughts on four key topics. Thanks to all four for helping out, if you want to take part in the next Vox Pop which should be just after the Burnley cup match e-mail loftforwords@yahoo.co.uk.

What are your early impressions of Paulo Sousa and his QPR team?

dogsdanglies I'll admit I haven't been to a "Sousa QPR" game yet - Preston this weekend will be my first due to holidays and work commitments. The impression I've gathered from QPR World, ITV, Sky and the written press is that the players have been clearly instructed about their individual jobs and responsibilities. I do not think what has been implemented has been rocket science, players now (by and large) play in their preferred positions and those in form appear to be taking the field adopting to the new formations the manager has implemented. The other big factor and change I have seen is a more professional approach to the game and players by Paulo, this I believe has increased the confidence of the players. Dare I say it, but you only have to look at the recent Fabio Capello interview for a similar comparison, albeit the difference in ability. As for Sousa, he's pretty classy and very professional.

JudedaHouseCat Ok, as I am currently an overseas supporter and am not able to get to any matches I have to go with what I read and the TV games, and obviously what all managers are ultimately judged on which is results. I was really happy with the appointment, the guy is a big name in the game and for some reason foreign ex players always seem more appealing than home grown ones. Maybe this is a slightly prejudiced view, but when I think of British footballers intelligence is not often something I expect in abundance, but somehow this trend doesn't spread to foreign players. They also seem a bit more mysterious and interesting, and give me more excitement in terms of the unknown. Usually similar with players. Anyway, so my pre hiring thoughts were definitely more positive than pre-Dowie. (Dowie however is one of the few home grown players who does have a degree to his name and could be described as intelligent…but I still found his arrival uninspiring). In terms of judging Sousa so far, it is early doors, but results wise he hasn't done badly. I got to watch the Wolves game, and thought we looked a decent side for an hour or so. He hasn't magically solved our away form, although scoring a goal was not a bad way to try and improve it. I am definitely happy and get the impression that there is some progress.

NedZelicLegend Same personnel different set-up?. It's a known thing that when a new man comes in everybody’s 'up for it' to prove their worth. Although saying that the side has a better balance to it and I don't feel we're going to get whopped by anybody. Paulo looks sincere enough and I hope his Christmas tree style works but it does seem that we're never going to score four or more. A case of survival?

Pat It’s very early days but there are some encouraging signs. Sousa seems to want us to pass the ball around a bit more similar to De Canio, which can only be a good thing. He has also not put Hall straight back in the team which to me sends out a good sign. Nothing against Fitz but Gorkss has been excellent after waiting patiently for his chance. This would not have happened under Dowie, as Hall would have been back straight away. In my opinion this sends out a message that reputations mean nothing and performances mean everything, which is fine by me. A decent start for me. Although the one thing he is doing (as others have done) is playing Mahon and Leigertwood in the same team. It never has worked and never will, only one or the other can play.

Assuming Ronaldo cannot be persuaded to move to Loftus Road , who would you like to see QPR sign this January? 

dogsdanglies I guess the question is whether incomers are better than what we have, the form they are showing and what Paulo's impression of them are. I like Ben Watson, but would be wary of spending too much £500k max. Helguson and/or another striker (Evans, Vassel, Voronin, Simpson, Merida) is essential. Matthew Etherington/Jobi McAnuff would also provide some pace and competition down the left which we need. It appears Wayne Routledge may be coming which would also strengthen the right hand side of midfield, wary of signing him permanently, loan deal for me and see where we are in the summer.

JudedaHouseCat Well I was really hoping we would sign Ronaldo, not the greasy Portuguese Ballon d'Or winner, but the overweight bucktoothed Brazilian legend who was club-less until last week when Corinthians of Sao Paulo offered him a contract. I'm sure many would disagree but having seen the press frenzy for the unveiling, and the consequent sales of merchandise, I couldn't help but wonder how much of a household name QPR would have been across Brazil if we could have lured him to the Loft. Many may not care how many people on the other side of the world are talking about QPR, but for me personally it would have been exceptional. I get to watch plenty of Manchester City games since their Brazilian invasion. But I'd much rather watch my beloved hoops.

On a more realistic note, I would like us to pick up a goal scorer. Not really sure who. It is difficult choosing between Premier League rejects and potential from the lower leagues, both have their risks and uncertainties. Maybe as an alternative to Ronaldo phenomenon, Adriano sounds like he's on the way out at Inter, and he would be an excellent player in the Championship. He's a brick shit house and knows where the goal is. He likes a drink and a party (allegedly) but I think he would be a huge success. He came back to Sao Paulo last year for six months and won them the title, and went and played in small towns in the middle of nowhere (Blackpool on a Tuesday night equivalent!). Anyway... that's not going to happen.

NedZelicLegend I've seen the list of Premiership players out of contract in the summer so I'll bypass the Watson fiasco (Colin W**ker and Orange Face Jordan won't let him go for nix) so it's Wayne Routledge from Villa - pacey & talented currently doing a job at The Sheepshaggers. The only other available apart from over the hill pro's is Daniel Sturridge but I can't see that. We do however need a couple of decent full backs, Peter Damage, no thanks and Delaney has got worse, but where from I don't know.

Pat I’d like to see Watson from Palace but with Premiership clubs now showing an interest this might not happen. I think we need at least 2 strikers, a Left Back, and maybe a couple of Midfielders. Helguson appears that he could be one of the strikers; maybe someone like Manucho at Man Utd on loan could be an option. I know people go on about Nugent but I don’t really see the fuss I don’t think he has ever scored 20 Goals in The Championship and he seems happy to pick up a wage in Pompey reserves he would also cost a massive amount. Although I don’t like the guy another potential could be Leroy Lita. He has shown a decent return at Norwich and with Reading seemingly happy to cash in, he could be another option. A Left back is a priority but not many names seem to be forthcoming. Routledge would be a good addition but Cardiff may have jumped us in the queue but I’d be interested in him. Lallana and Surman at Southampton would be worth a bid due to their financial woes, and the fact we could offer first team football instead of Premiership reserves.

Which, if any, of our current loans would you like to see signed permanently?

dogsdanglies Heidar Helguson and possibly Emmanuel Ledesma for a reasonable fee, although nothing over £1million.

JudedaHouseCat Heidar Helguson I think will be a decent striker for us, and depending on the price and what else is available I wouldn't be upset if we signed him up. The foreign legion are all long term and thus I certainly wouldn't rush into making deals permanent. I still have hope they will come good in the latter part of the season. The fullback from Coventry is an unknown to me, and hasn't got a game thus far, which doesn't bode well, and certainly doesn't fill me with excitement. Lee Cook, for sentimental reasons I would like to sign him, and obviously there is hope that he can rediscover his form that we all know he is capable of. His signing would have to be at a much discounted price considering his limited input so far. I've lost count of who else is on loan..?! Mahon? Or did he sign.

NedZelicLegend It's the Cook question! I love him to bits but I am afraid he is not the same player as a couple or seasons ago. If you never knew him would you want to pay £850,000 or whatever? So I'd have to pass. Helguson could do OK in this league so if the terms were right I'd go for it. The overseas boys can get the next Ryanair flight, Ledesma sparkling against Carlisle Utd, Parejo hasn't done a stroke and Di Carmine is a bit part player.

Pat Cook if the price is right and he starts to look like the Cookie of old would be fine with me. Helguson again looks ok but I’m not sure I’d stretch to £1million which seems to be the figure for a permanent move. Di Carmine (Birmingham goal apart) hasn’t done enough to convince me that he is worth buying so not too fussed. Parejo has been one of the most frustrating aspects of the season for me. The kid obviously has talent and I have stuck up for him a number of times in the pub and on the message boards but it is getting harder to back him when he puts in a performance like he did against Palace. I’m sure there is a great player, maybe we just won’t get to see it. Ledesma started off like a world beater, but has played like a panel beater for a little while now (own up if you bought a T Shirt!). I think he has got talent and I know he has had a couple of injuries but he needs to start producing the goods if he is going to stay. Borrowdale can go as he appears to offer nothing more than we already have.

What are your expectations for the remainder of the season?

dogsdanglies I am reasonably optimistic, subject to a few new faces in Jan and a clean bill of health, I would expect us to be there or thereabouts in the playoffs.

JudedaHouseCat I don't think we have any divine right to a play off position, and I am never particularly optimistic, I am a QPR supporter after all. At the end of the day, I hope that we can keep in contention and at least have hope of nipping into sixth position on the final Saturday (or Sunday) of the season. Avoiding the season fading into nothing is my main goal, in order to keep some excitement until May. Obviously depending on January spending and the next few results, this expectation could rise. I think the top three positions seem to be out of reach already, so play offs certainly would be as good as we could hope for and I would be happy with that. I would not though be unhappy if we showed progress until the end of the season, made some sound purchases, stabilised with the manager and got ready to mount a serious challenge next season, with none of the off pitch shenanigans we have had to put up with this season.

NedZelicLegend The old mid table security! Play-offs my arse, if this group got a sniff at the Premiership it could be embarrassing. Old Flav would cack his pants if we won the play-off final and then discover he'd have to shell out millions for nobodies. See it through to the end of season, see what we're at and where we are going, take stock of things and decide than if this is a serious venture or a 'boutique' experience.

Pat I think the play offs are a possibility. I think the division as a whole is not that great and if we can keep pace and make some additions in January there is no reason why we couldn’t make the top six. If we don’t make the play offs it wont be the end of the world as long as we are making good progress year on year and the prices don’t go into orbit again I would feel that we can then mount a challenge next year. We have to remember where we were and just how bad it really was.

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