Rs assistant boss says Warnock must have the support of club’s owners

QPR assistant manager Mick Jones believes the club can only flourish in the Premier League this season if boss Neil Warnock receives the full support of the board.

Jones defended the limited transfer budget available to Warnock, insisting the Rs boss’s track record in the transfer window proves he is still capable of pulling off some astute signings in the coming weeks.

But just days after Warnock revealed he was under instructions ‘not to spend transfer fees this summer’, with potentially only just over �1m available, Jones pointed out that, as with any club, the owners and management must work together.

Successful

Jones told the Times: “Every manager needs backing, if you don’t get backing then you can’t be successful. But Neil’s never been a big spender in the transfer window. I wouldn’t say it’s a frustrating time, it’s part and parcel of football.”

England international Jay Bothroyd and Premier League veteran Kieron Dyer have both been snapped up on free transfers by Warnock, who is now attempting to recruit two more free agents, former West Ham centre-back Danny Gabbidon and Jason Puncheon from Southampton.

But the impending departure of prize asset Adel Taarabt looks set to leave a gaping hole in QPR’s midfield, leaving Warnock with some serious work to do ahead of the new season.

However, Jones says the acquisition of England international Bothroyd, who was Rangers’ main target this summer, highlights Warnock’s ability in the transfer window, and he believes the manager will show similar tenacity when it comes to filling the void left by the Moroccan international.

Brilliant

“Jay [Bothroyd] was our number one target this summer, I’d say that Neil Warnock had been monitoring him from last January,” added Jones.

“At times last season he was brilliant. I know a couple of other Premier League clubs wanted him, so we’ve done well to get him.

“It looks like Adel’s going to go, but to be honest that’s something we’ve had to face up to since the end of last season.

“Nineteen goals, you can’t argue with that. PSG are one of the richest clubs in Europe right now, and you can’t ignore the sort of money they are offering.”

Strengthen

This week Warnock turned his attention to Gabbidon and Puncheon, with Wales international Gabbidon joining the Super Hoops’ squad for the pre-season trip to the West Country.

Puncheon, who impressed last season with relegated Blackpool, will also sign if he can agree personal terms, while Warnock has also handed a trial to Ipswich keeper Brian Murphy.

“We have to carry on as before with the budget I’ve agreed with Flavio [Briatore]. I’m still looking to strengthen all over the pitch – I’d say we need a striker, a centre-half, possibly another midfielder and certainly another goalkeeper,” said Warnock.

Follow Ian Cooper on Twitter @QPRTimes