QPR player of the season knows west Londoners have to improve, but says it’s too soon for targets

Queens Park Rangers player of the season Alex Smithies says it is too early to set a target for the club in the Championship next year.

Rs finished just two points above the relegation zone last term, and will be hoping to finish much higher up the table next season.

And though Smithies is reluctant to set a definitive target for next year, he knows the west Londoners are doing all they can to start moving upwards.

“The club is improving in the things that they are doing off the pitch, and as players we have a good enough squad to certainly be doing better than the league position we finished in,” Smithies told the club website.

“I wouldn’t like to set a target on it, things change over the summer and players will be coming in and out. The club are recruiting and hopefully we’re in a strong position next year.”

As well as seeing QPR’s results improve next year, Smithies will be determined to keep hold of his number one spot.

The former Huddersfield Town man played every minute of every game in the Championship this season for the Loftus Road outfit.

And though he acknowledges the season for the club on the whole did not go as planned, Smithies being an ever-present for Rs in the league this season is something to be proud of.

“For a goalkeeper, to be involved all the way through is something that I definitely look for,” added the 27-year-old.

“I always take great credit when I play every game in a season, so there is an importance on that.

“It’s difficult because you get knocks and injuries that you have to play through, but the main point for me is trying to keep the ball out of the net week in, week out.

“I’ve not always been successful unfortunately, but for the most part I’ve enjoyed the season.”

As well as being named the club’s player of the season, Smithies also collected the players’ player, supporters’ player, Junior Hoops’ player awards after a stellar campaign with QPR.

And Smithies admits he never expected to win so many personal prizes this time, saying: “I never set targets on awards and things like that because it’s out of your hands, but I’m very flattered to be awarded those player of the season trophies.

“It’s nice that both the players and the supporters have been grateful for what I’ve been doing.”