QPR held an Open Day on a lovely day in West London.
In addition to the young Hoops getting the opportunity to meet their heroes, the morning was a tremendous success as those in attendance got to have a sneak-peak behind closed doors as to what the team get up to in training.
The results were resoundingly positive.
The return of an England International
Yes, I might be jumping the gun. However Steven Caulker’s return to the public eye can only be a positive sign.
Ian Holloway said that he sees Caulker as “a new signing”; and if he’s in the right state of mind, what a signing he would be.
Caulker still has progress to make before he is ready for the first team, but seeing him happy and healthy both at the Stan Bowles Benefit match, and in the QPR Open Day, was great to see.
High tempo possession play
As an observer from the stand I was paying close attention to some of the drills being carried out by the team.
With Curtis Fleming belting out the orders, it was clearly visible that they were working on high intensity pressing, and fast tempo possession exercises.
Many complained that the team was too one-dimensional last year, but with a new focus we could see some more attractive pacey passing play.
Squad morale
It was clearly evident that the players and the staff at the club are in a happy place at the moment.
As well as sharing smiles and jokes, every single player was visibly working to their full potential, which is great to see.
In addition, Ian Holloway made a real effort with the fans in attendance to talk them through what was going on in training, as well as setting time aside for a Q&A for those in attendance, something which, in my opinion, goes over and above what he was required to do at such an event.
Whether the side can retain this spirit once a difficult Championship campaign begins, we’ll have to wait and see; but making the training ground an enjoyable place to be can only be beneficial.
