Williams: no danger for Rangers

By Ben Kosky FORMER QPR defender Tommy Williams is convinced his old club have too much quality to be sucked into a relegation battle. Williams, who played four games on loan for Rangers at the end of 2009, is now back with rock-bottom Peterborough after

By Ben Kosky

FORMER QPR defender Tommy Williams is convinced his old club have too much quality to be sucked into a relegation battle.

Williams, who played four games on loan for Rangers at the end of 2009, is now back with rock-bottom Peterborough after failing to secure a permanent move to Loftus Road.

But, while the 29-year-old defender is more concerned with his own team's uphill struggle against the drop from the Championship, he is confident the Rs - despite their drift towards lower mid-table - will stay out of trouble.

Speaking after his side had inflicted a third straight defeat on nine-man Rangers on Saturday, Williams told the Times: "I really can't see it happening to QPR - I think it's three out of five down there.

"With two or three results that can change completely, but I think QPR have got plenty to avoid going anywhere near the relegation zone. There's undoubted ability in the squad - I saw it every day not so long ago.

"The lads there were great to me, even on Saturday, and I really hope they turn it around sooner rather than later. There are some great players at QPR but, at the moment, they're not playing well as a team.

"It's a little bit of a transitional period for them and I think there could be quite a big overhaul at the end of the season, which is a shame because it's a club that I like and want to do well."

Williams had hoped to become a permanent member of the Rangers squad after joining the club on loan for the third time in his career, but the ongoing off-field issues at Loftus Road scuppered that possibility.

The untidy exit of manager Jim Magilton did little to aid the left-back's cause and, after playing in what turned out to be the Rs' only victory under new boss Paul Hart, against Bristol City, he was then recalled by Peterborough.

"It wasn't a shut door in my face," Williams stressed. "There was a decision made that QPR weren't going to sign any players long-term or permanently until the summer.

"They said 'thanks very much' and made the situation clear, which was good of them. I knew they needed to bring some strikers in on loan, which is what they've now done.

"After that I had a couple of other loan options, which I chose not to take. At the moment my main aim is giving 100 per cent for Peterborough United and trying to get us out of the relegation zone.