Beat around the Bush

By Steve Hoad THERE S no management merry-go-round or boardroom turmoil. No sustained sequence of losses and headlong plummet to the depths of the division. Am I supporting a different team? I suppose, in a way, I am. New manager, new ownership – directio

By Steve Hoad

THERE'S no management merry-go-round or boardroom turmoil. No sustained sequence of losses and headlong plummet to the depths of the division. Am I supporting a different team?

I suppose, in a way, I am. New manager, new ownership - direction, stability, acknowledgement of the fans. They've even got a different shirt.

We'll get used to it, of course, but for the moment, it couldn't ever have been anything other than a disappointment - too white, insufficient hoops. Overall, I quite like it, but that's not the point, a false hoop for goodness sake? Just like last year's actually. Buzz is modelling it - might that be an omen?

So what other disappointments might the summer bring (not playing in the Premier League notwithstanding).

England's performance is a given. The pundits say we can go all the way, as usual, so we'll make the quarter-finals or semis if we're lucky, as usual.

Ah yes, the pre-season tour. Where exactly is Montecrostanistan? Who are Globstav Partisans, Whoisitini or Questolateama? I'd rather Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas, but the weather would be too hot for acclimatisation, I guess.

Then there are summer signings. Ten million quid to spend, it's rumoured. All the loanees are going back (probably even two we'd like to stay), so not many left. The bench was threadbare before, but now? Bench? We barely need a stool.

You thought the managerial revolving doors were spinning rapidly? Wait until you see the players' version. A giddy blur? It'll be a veritable spinning top.

The rumour mill certainly will be. The taps on the "sauces" will be turned full on, and even the tea lady's daughter's cat will have a paw in the inside track.

There'll be suggestions we'd love, but won't get and those that leave us cold that we might. Outlandish options and prosaic proposals, unfounded speculative gossip, and the odd rare confirmation of a signing.

But as they come to line up in August, will it be another disappointment? One thing certain is that they will be almost unrecognisable from the 11 that have clawed their way to mid-table since the beginning of March.

And next season? We'll finish in a play off position - at least. That's the consensus even before a ball is kicked. But then, ain't it always? Or will that be another disappointment (again)?

I'm hoping summer isn't a disappointment and wishing long, warm, sunny spells and a Vital summer to all QPR fans. Enjoy the break. See you, LR, August.