Make room for Les' chopper — podcast
Legendary former QPR striker Les Ferdinand is the guest on this week's Open All R's Podcast discussing the club's return to the Premier League, Charlie Austin's step up, and of course his time at the club.
Discussing his slow start at QPR, followed by an explosion in form during the Gerry Francis reign in the early 1990s, Ferdinand told the Podcast: "The time I felt I'd arrived, it may sound strange because I didn't go straight back into the team, was when I got back from Turkey. I'd played so well, scored goals, playing in front of crowds, I felt like it was something I could do.
"I came back with renewed optimism and self belief. It wasn't until Gerry came into the club and said he'd tried to sign me on loan and I was going to be his number one striker, having somebody put their confidence in me that gave me the kick start I needed.
"I was really fortunate, when I came back from Turkey the club had acquired Ray Wilkins, Peter Reid and Kenny Sansom. They were people who had great careers in the First Division. I always say to people who talk about the goals Trevor Sinclair or Andy Sinton created for me as wingers, that Ray created just as much for me and was a major influence on my career while I was there."
There's also chat about Rio Ferdinand's influence at QPR, how Rangers will do in the Premier League this season, and his opinion on who the most underrated player at QPR was during his time there.
To listen to, download or subscribe to the podcast please click here.
The Twitter @QPRPodcast, @DavidEFraser, @PaulFinney1969, @CharlieAshcroft, @Jimeevans
Pictures — Action Images
What to read next:
Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and
wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.
Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.
Sam Parker hasn’t turned down a new deal, he is willing to negotiate He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years.
Swansea City : The vision is clearer, so Jamal Lowe ? There were some worrying moments for the Swans yesterday, on three occasions mistakes from playing out from the back nearly saw the home side score. And is there now a case for Jamal Lowe to be offered a contract at Swansea ?
Leighton James : His own football revolution With the passing of Leighton James yesterday we have a Saturday night treat for football fans, Swans fans and Wales followers the world over. Who can recall the magic boots imposing themselves on clubs throughout Wales and England ?