QPR could be a victim of Heathrow's third runway and lose their training ground as early as 2011.
Insiders at the Imperial College Sports set-up are expecting to vacate the Harlington complex where Rangers are tenants, with both falling victim to Heathrow's expansion.
The site just south of the M4, and a mere wingspan from Terminals 1-3, is within the proposed plans, and if application and government consultations are fast-tracked, Imperial and the surrounding area could see the first shovelfuls of earth turned over by November 2011.
Rangers only moved in three-and-half years ago after Chelsea moved out.
The Premiership team decamped to a new setup in Surrey and allowed the Hoops to move out of a cramped arrangement that saw them playing 'second fiddle' to rugby side Wasps in Acton, according to former boss Ian Holloway.
Olly was scathing over the set-up in Twyford Avenue, where he felt Rs were an afterthought when the rugby giants became cohabitants as both also shared Loftus Road under former chairman Chris Wright.
Now, Imperial feel they will have to get very lucky to overturngovernment support for the Heathrow add-on.
A source said: "Of course, Imperial don't want to lose their grounds.
"The football teams there also get help from QPR coaches, and the advice has been a great benefit.
"But it looks as if this thing is going to happen and we're going to have to look elsewhere."
Rangers have been on the hunt for a new ground for 10 years after recognising homely Loftus Road with its 19,000-capacity will never meet the demands of a top-flight team.
Overtures for sites as far out as Feltham have been met with a stony resistance, and finding a new top-notch training ground will also require an exhaustive search.
A QPR spokesman said: "We are well aware of the situation and we're working with our landlords, Imperial College, to get clarity on the situation going forward."
The official Imperial word was equally cautious.
"Imperial College is aware the proposed third runway would affect its Harlington sports ground, and is registered as an interested party in the consultation process," said a spokesman.
