GAVIN Mahon says it will not matter who is in charge of QPR next season - because the players are good enough to go up whoever the new boss turns out to be.
The exit of Paulo Sousa has prompted the usual round of speculation about who might be next through the revolving managerial door - but the experienced Rangers midfielder is eager to downplay the importance of the next appointment.
He also refuses to blame the chopping and changing of coaches for the team's failure to land a playoff place this season.
"You could put anyone in charge of this team because we've got such a decent squad of players," Mahon said. "Whichever 11 you play on the pitch, we should be good enough to get a result.
"As a footballer, you've just got to get on with it. The manager takes the training, but when you cross the white line, it's down to the players.
"At times we haven't performed as individuals and as a group and whoever's been in charge, at times we've let them down. We have to accept responsibility for that. It's no use saying the changes at the top have undermined us."
Mahon's professional pride has had good cause to kick in, even if the season is winding down, with only Saturday's trip to Preston to come.
As an avid Birmingham City fan, he had to take it on the chin when Midlands rivals Wolves celebrated promotion in front of him last weekend, a year on from West Brom doing the same at Loftus Road. And that is an illustration of his belief players should be capable of motivating themselves.
"I remember when we played West Brom here and they were celebrating and we had it all over again last week at Wolves.
"There's no doubt that will get mentioned on the training ground between now and next season because it does hurt - especially if you know one or two of the players, as I do.
"They are friends of mine and they're celebrating and I'm thinking 'that could be us', given the squad of players we have. It's a bit of a reality check for where we are and where we need to get to."
Mahon added: "We had an aim to get into the play-offs and haven't achieved that.
"There have been some good performances but we've been inconsistent and you can't be like that in this league. And when you get a bad result, you have to bounce back and we haven't done that.
"The club wants to get to the next level. I know this team's finished higher than it has done in previous seasons, but we feel we should be even higher."
