It may not have been the type of signing to get QPR pulses racing, but that isn’t to say that the signing of Alex Baptiste can’t be of huge importance.

The 31-year-old joins the Hoops on a two-year deal following the termination of his contract at Middlesbrough, where it’s safe to say he didn’t enjoy the best time.

His debut for the club was cut dramatically short after suffering a horrific leg break in a friendly against York City, a moment that would set the tone for the remainder of his stay on Teesside.

The player who was high regarded by former-Boro manager Aitor Karanka, but what followed was two loan spells at Sheffield United and Preston, as he couldn’t quite break into a resilient Middlesbrough defence.

Although his spell in the north east wasn’t ideal, what he brought in terms of leadership and experience couldn’t be sniffed at, and it is exactly this which will be crucial for QPR this term.

Baptiste admitted that the best period of his career was under the tutelage of Ian Holloway in their time at Blackpool, as they defied the odds to get promoted to the Premier League, and came within a whisker of surviving in the top flight.

The defender put this down to the exceptional team spirit created by Holloway, and this is something that the pair will be looking to recreate at Loftus Road.

Signing a player of such experience on a free transfer is something of a coup, and Baptiste will be looking to repay the club for the faith shown in him, as he tries to reignite his career.

Only time will tell what role the defender will play in Ian Holloway’s team, but what we do know is that Baptiste is a player who will give 100% both in matches and on the training field and the signing is sure to be a real boost to the team both on and off the field.